Kaden's NEW Bike

Since we were going to be in Reno on his actual birthday after we got home from Avery's party we gave Kaden his gift.  A new bike!  Kaden was convinced he was going to go outside and do tricks on it.  

All the kids were SO excited to see him give it a try and we all knew he would have NO problem getting it going.  It was such a fun day!  He is SUCH an adored little boy and although there are some disadvantages to being the baby there is no comparison on who has the most fans!  This little guy was the star of the show and all 4 big siblings were more than excited for him, willing to help him and totally cheering him on.  It was one of those times that truly melts a moms heart!   I happened to be in the video mood that day so I have lots of footage but not a lot of still shots.  Here is a glimpse into his BIG day!

5th time Kyle got the lucky job!

 Soon after he learned and took a few falls he was looking for a scooter to go on Kenyon's ramp.  The whole doing tricks thing was a bit harder than he expected.   Not sure how he ended up with the Dora scooter in this shot.  He has actually been riding a razor scooter since before he was 2.  I'll never forget the time we were at a volleyball tournament and Kaden was riding his scooter around the school campus between games - he had a bit of a crowd and this dad comes up and asks my permission to film him.  He said it was the coolest thing he had ever seen.  We often forget how weird our boys are until things like that happen and we realize they are oddly coordinated.

Watching Kenyon do this over and over was frustrating him.

Adia got in on the action in her own way.

 The model always chasing down the camera for her oddball poses.

and Kyle who just can't seem to truly grow up.

I wish I had photos of Adison with Kaden on here.  Of all the siblings she is the most motherly to him by far. The videos really captured her constantly trying to help Kaden get going or fix his helmet or whatever he needed.  She was so cute with him!

Avery's 9th Birthday Party

Avery's 9th birthday party was lots of fun this year!

yes, it was 5 months ago but better late than never is the theme for this blog.

I wasn't up for hosting a party but thought she could really use a special day with some friends so she invited several friends to join us at Steve Wallen Swim School where the kids had been taking lessons.  The kids all had a blast swimming for a bit then a short time of cake, ice cream and gifts.  

Avery really is so good to her "birthday buddy," a term they regularly use around here, and had all her friends sing to both of them.  Kaden was convinced it was his party also.  :)  

Most of the girls are from our old Sacramento CC group.

Avery had the sweetest classmates!

Adison loved swimming around with the big kids.

 The girls mostly swam around freely but we did gather them for a bit for some fun games.  Avery was so happy!  It was precious to see her.  She is a very good friend and always very aware of everyone around her (when there are non family members).

Kaden had such a good time.  We might let him have his first party next year and he says he wants "another swim party."  Don't tell him that in no way was this actually for him.

It means so much to the kids when Grandma and Grandpa make it out to their parties.  

 Here are the twins being crazy! 

Avery was so sweet to "want a party where my friends get gifts too."  So we had each kid bring a used toy, from home, and we did a fun gift exchange.  It was all her idea and everyone left so happy!

She really is such a sweet friend/person!

Of course this was a week before the real BIG day because we were headed to Reno for Adia's volleyball tournament on the actual 21st of April.  That will be next.