Sunday, October 12 ~Happy Birthday Luke

About a week and a half after Lily's CHOP Walk, Andy and I were driving back out to Dover to celebrate Luke's 7th birthday.  Seven sounds so old when you are talking about grandchildren but I guess time has a way of marching on in spite of our attempts to keep them young.  We drove out on a Wednesday and got a later start than usual because we were taking Evelyn with us and I didn't seem to allot enough time to get her ready.  I also had not factored in the extra stops that we would be making for potty breaks and since Andy was with us, our stop for breakfast at Cracker Barrell.  I also discovered that it takes at least 10 minutes when you leave because a 2 1/2 year old has to pick up or touch every thing of interest on the way through the gift shop.  Evelyn did finally fall asleep after our stop in Cumberland at the Dairy Queen and we pulled into Trish's driveway around 5 pm.  We were just in time to ride with them to Lily's gymnastics and Luke's parkour lessons.  Their classes were in the same gym and they overlapped so we were able to watch them both.  Lily oozes athleticism while poor Luke has to work twice as hard at everything he tries.  Parkour is a type of military training that includes obstacle courses and looks a lot like American Ninja Warrior.  It was fun to see the young, mostly boys throw themselves into a pit of foam and attempt pull ups. Cartwheels were a little dangerous as they would fling their legs into the air without looking to see if someone might be in the way.  Some of the older boys would do flips into the foam pit, Luke just dove head first and then climbed out with a big smile on his face. I was upset with myself that I left my good camera in my car and had to take pictures on my phone.

Lily on the spring board to the right

Luke is the first boy standing in line with a neon shirt with taco bell stains on the front.

Preparation for a cartwheel

Lily on the balance beam

On Thursday both kids had school and in the afternoon I took birthday cupcakes in to Luke's class.  His teacher, Mrs. Pennypacker was very nice and very young.  It appeared that she was a little more strict than Luke's kindergarten teacher, Mr. Davis but Luke likes them both and seems to do well in school.  Lily on the other hand would much rather be home-schooled so she never had to leave her mommy.

Luke's first grade class singing Happy Birthday while he stands in the middle.

Thursday evening, Luke had a t-ball game so we were treated to another athletic event.  The highlight of the evening was when Luke asked me to throw with him to warm up.  Oh, yeah, I hope he never grows up!

Under the lights

Luke didn't have school on Friday but Lily did so she was not a happy camper.  Trish did surprise her and pick her up at 12 instead of the usual 3 and we had a surprise birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese for family.  Evie absolutely loved Chuck E!  It was a lot of fun.

Mr Rockstar with his back up singers

Saturday was the day of the "real" party.  The weather was rather iffy and we held off on setting up the jumpy house until the last 15 minutes before guests were scheduled to arrive.  I'm not sure how many came but it was a lot.  The good thing is that when there are parties, the parents stay which adds extra sets of eyes to keep the rowdy boys in check.  Siblings also come so I think it would be safe to say that there were nearly 40 at the party.  The rain stayed away and the party was a success.

Ed is in charge of lowering the pinata

This year's theme, Pokemon

We held off on the jousting until the crowd thinned.

After the party we drove out to the farm for Luke's big present.  He was really surprised and thrilled when he saw his new 4 wheeler.  Lily scared us as she is more of a dare devil than her brother.  She even figured out how to shift into 2nd gear which gave us all a little scare.  Evelyn took a turn with Aunt Trish.

Evie even took her turn

Happy Birthday Luke!!

                                                     Hang on Dad, we're going for a ride!!
On Sunday we had yet another cake since the 12th was his real birthday.  I am still trying to lose the weight I put on over this 5 day birthday celebration!