Double Digits

Happy 10th Birthday Noah!!!

Now that he's older, Noah has more concerns about what I post. He will often make requests to have things posted on this blog or Facebook but it is even more often that I hear "and don't post this on your blog." So instead of embarrassing him with current video footage, we have a blast from the past.

We were watching old videos this weekend and came across this one of Noah's first magic show at almost 3 1/2 years old. At 10, he still likes to do magic but I can verify that his techniques have improved considerably.



It's hard to believe this boy is 10 today. Time to celebrate!

Birthday Wishes

More interesting ideas from our Joshua...

Joshua's birthday is not until the end of March but we are trying something new - a joint birthday party with his cousin Maya whose birthday was earlier this month. The party meets in the middle of their birthdays and has me trying to figure out what kind of cake he would like to have and what presents he might desire, much earlier than usual. When asked, Joshua quickly decided that he wanted a dragon Mighty Beanz cake... breathing fire and with a chest of gold. Of course you would.

You might recall his last birthday cake that I discussed here. I've now talked him down to cupcakes topped with a Mighty Beanz. Much easier! Score one for mom. I'm sure the cake for his actual birthday will need to be much more elaborate, but at least we'll be on spring break.

When I called him in for a private talk (an attempt to get a list without Noah's input) to discuss present ideas this is the list I got:

• welding torch
• metal
• plastic
• magnifying glass - circle only, no handle

Why does my soon to be seven year old desire these things? They are the things needed to make a light saber - he and Noah are growing the crystals. He did wonder if the welding torch would melt the crystals. I told him that he wouldn't be receiving a welding torch but he made me write it on the list anyway. You never know. Has it become appropriate to give your child fire wielding equipment that could blind or maim?

Other items that HAD to be on the list even though he can't have them:

• iPhone
• TV for his room
  
• real kitten

Here is the list with real potential:

• Bike
• Wii: New Super Mario Bros.
  
• Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story - DS
• Star Wars the Clone Wars - DS
  
• alarm clock
• Mighty Beanz storage case
• Mighty Beanz flip track
• Mighty Beanz
• new stuffed animal - any kind...As if we need more animals to throw around!
  
• model magic
  
• triangle bakugan
• sleeveless shirt - I know there has been snow on the ground since Thanksgiving, but he's concerned that he doesn't have any sleeveless shirts yet.
  
• magnetic guy
• new pillow case - He's not sure what kind, just that he'd like one. I think it's cute that he doesn't need a whole sheet set but is perfectly happy with interesting pillow cases. Anyone want to tie-dye a new one?
• 

Roller Skates (size 1)

The Ants Go Marching

We have become ant obsessed. Okay, maybe I'm the only one obsessed, but we have definitely all been fascinated as we've watched Harvester ants create their tunnels. It is amazing how much they have accomplished in less than 48 hours. What an awesome birthday present Nana and Grandpa! The habitat has been lit up in Joshua's room at night but moves to the living room during the day so we can watch their progress.

April 8th, 4:48 p.m.

Joshua pokes starter holes in gel and ants are added.
April 8th, 7:58 p.m.

Starter tunnels are being widened.
April 9th, 3:19 a.m.

Yes, I woke up in the middle of the night and had to check on the ants. Look at all they've accomplished in seven hours!
April 9th, 8:07 a.m.

Guesses are made on where the tunnels will connect.
April 9th, 12:14 p.m.

We were wrong. They turned before connecting. Those crazy ants.
April 9th, 1:35 p.m.

Apparently they heard us and decided that joining the tunnels would be a good idea.
April 10th, 9:53 a.m.

From the front...
....and the back.
Harvester ants are famous for being the first ants to travel into space in 2003. This habitat is similar to the one used on that space mission. 

Happy 6th Birthday Joshua

We are celebrating Joshua's 6th birthday today. With every birthday I am amazed at how fast the boys are growing up. You'd think I'd be used to it by now but I find that I'm still taken aback. This passage of time is punctuated even more with the home videos.

Here is a favorite Joshua memory of mine. This was taken the morning after his second birthday when he managed to get two balloons outside while still in his pajamas (jammers don't go outside!). It was the perfect combination of amazing weather, birds singing in the background and Joshua - completely content playing with his friends. I've shortened this video to a mere minute and a half because I recognize that only a mother could love watching her child play with a balloon for 10+ minutes (and that was after I thought to run in and grab the video camera). 

It was the sweetest thing to watch him talk to the balloons, push them in the swing, take them down the slide and just run with them. Oh, he was fond of balloons.

Today will be all about Joshua. He is six and looking forward, while I can't help but take a moment to look back.

For those needing a funnier Joshua moment. Here is an earlier balloon experience we call "Pop It!"