Then they were 5

Time to 'jump the shark'

Daddy went all out with games. Bean Bag Toss

Fishing pond

Sponge Bob bowling

Perhaps the last hurrah for the preschool size bouncy house.

A little paper hat making.

Too bad our social skills are so lacking. Thank God Izzie and Illie showed up.

And later Mike, Katrina (and Shawn).

Which means Zoe got to model her new leather coat, purse and boots while sitting on a motorcycle.

We had the rest of the family over and celebrated. 

I was pictured out, until the next day, when we went to Como Town.

Yee haw.

Glitter tattoos.

Driving!

I don't know how these kids figure it out so fast, but they do.

She's a friendly driver.

Very friendly.

It's catchy.

Wave everyone!

Much need quiet flower time.

And a visit to the refurbished Japanese Gardens. Last time Roman, Zoe and I were here there was snow on the ground. It was probably late April or May (ca-razzy).

But now Dad got to check it out with you.

We like rock.

So this is a good place.

And friendly mom passers-by offer to take a family picture.

hurrah.

Birthday: 4

Why the face, Roman?

Your sister is perfectly content (she's got a pink '4' candle).

The boy was sneaking frosting and didn't like it when we told him to stop.

But he got his cake and was content. I thought it was ladies first though?

Zo had to wait because she wanted the dinosaur eyes.

ok.

We had a party Friday night, working around those wedding filled weekend schedules of the family.

You got your  piñata. You guys really, really wanted a piñata. 

With a little scoring of the neck (yuck!) we didn't have to wait for 2 hours to get it broken open. 

Notice the long stick - you dad wanted to avoid a Funniest Home Video moment.

And you got your goodies.

Thanks Annie!

Scooters and Birthday, part 2

Get out there and SCOOT, kiddos!

You two had a discussion about the tassels on Zoe's scooter. I don't recall what you were calling them, except you made note that Zoe had them and you didn't. Huh. Anyway...

The birthday was a success, even while we kept it small and simple.

Daddy recording as much as possible and rolling his eyes at me when I position you poorly for his video journaling. Hey - I can't help it if you turn your back! For ever one looking at the camera I go 9 looking away! Welcome to the club ;)

We had the MN grandparents...

Uncle Dave and Uncle Andy and Aunt Laura who showed up later.  

See the Buzz Lightyear wings? They go up and down (unfortunately with very loud sound affects). And Zoe got a Tiana doll AND a princess doll with multiple princess dresses.

And for my 3rd birthday I got...

A new helmet?

No.

A perma-frown? I hope not

Help from Dad? Yes!

And a new red (Cars!) scooter!

Zoom

Zoom!

ZOOM!

I, for one, could watch him all day

That little leg kick

Such concentration

and yet playful.

3 wheels for the 3 year old!

Zoe? She'll take a nap

As "the boy" zooms on by.

Yee haw!

And after a nap, Zo goes in style on her pink Princess scooter, with Dad pushing her. She hasn't mastered the art of a good scooter "kick". Roman, on the other hand, likes to warm up in the house before he goes out by pretending he's on the scooter, leg kicking away... 

You make me laugh.