Michael - It's great to be 8 !!

The big 8th birthday came for Michael this year. His birthday was  a Saturday so it involved soccer and service projects.  But he got to have his friend Derek over which was lots of fun.  He got his favorite breakfast and his favorite dinner (which is Tex Mex and he would probably eat it for breakfast too if I made it).  He got fun presents, but mostly we just got to celebrate our sweet little Michael turning 8.

8 great things about Michael
1.   He is a great artist.  He will give you drawing lessons if you ask. :)
2.  Michael is a deep thinker.  It doesn't always work to his advantage as he is quite the worrier, but he also thinks deeply about spiritual matters which is good.
3.  Michael is very athletic
4.  He can be a great helper when he wants to be.
5.  Michael still has the biggest, bluest eyes
6.  He is trying to read through the Book of Mormon
7.  Michael is a good friend at school
8.  Michael was conscious of what a big decision it is to get baptized.

 

He got to celebrate his birthday the day before in school.  This was his birthday crown.

Michael loves these little animals tubes

Playing in the leaves as dad blows them.

Birthday dinner...how we love this stuff.

Drawing books

Concentrating on legos

I don't know how I didn't get a picture of blowing out the candles.  I think I only got it on video.
Cheesecake seems to be the birthday cake of choice this year.

Jacob turns 4

Jacob turned 4 on October 12th.  What can I say about Jacob besides.....whoahhh!!!  This little boy is so alive!!  Looking back, he's been that way from birth.  But now that he's older and his personality comes out more it's more obvious.  He can be so funny and say the most clever, hilarious things.  He also has a bit of a temper which gets him in trouble some times, but he can be so sweet at other times.  Every day is an adventure with Jacob around. :)

Four things I love about Jacob
1.  He is a great helper.  If he makes a mess he is usually quick to clean it up.
2.  You can have great conversations with Jacob.  He is quite insightful for a 4 year old.
3.  Jacob loves everyone...sometimes to the point of discomfort. ;)
4.  Jacob is a good big brother.  He loves Daniel and will do anything to help him.

I love his winks

He was so excited about his birthday

He loves play dough

He didn't get this for his birthday...just had fun riding the neighbors toys.

We went to our old stomping grounds for pizza.  Natoli's in Secaucus.  I miss living
across the street from this place.

Daniel was excited to get a cup cake

There's that wink again.  Happy Birthday to Jacob