Happy Birthday Week: Part 2

Lincoln turned 8 today. It's very surreal to me that I have an 8 year old. I remember when my friends had 8 year olds and I thought about how far away that seemed until Lincoln would turn that magic number. Well, it's here. TODAY. My firstborn turned 8! That's the magic number in our church because that's when you can be baptized (which will happen on July 9th... all are invited). Then in 4 years he can receive the priesthood. Then 4 years after that he can date and drive a car. Then 3 years after that he can go on a mission... He's practically out of the house. That's what 8 feels like to me :( . I can see him in a cap and gown graduating High School. I miss him already and he's not even gone!

Yesterday we had a birthday party for him. We ran into 2 problems while planning his party.

#1: He REALLY wanted a pool party... but we don't own a pool. So we asked my brother Greg & his wife Whitney if we could use theirs. They said yes, of course (because they are too nice to say no), so problem 1 was solved.

#2: The day we were making our invitations, Lincoln got an invitation to his friend Landon's party. It was scheduled for the SAME DATE at the SAME TIME as Lincoln's. I called Landon's mom Emily ASAP, and we decided to do a joint party!!!! AWESOME!!!! Problem #2??? GONE!

Between the two boys they decided they wanted ring toss, reptile drawing contest, bowling, swimming and prizes. I think both kiddos and all guests were happy with the results and had a fun time. (I don't have tons of pictures!!! We were too busy running the party I guess!)

{Lincoln tucking into a perfect cannonball!}

{Lincoln and Landon took turns catching their breath and blowing out candles. They were "trick" candles which kept relighting, so this went on for a few minutes. Very fun!}

{Bowling for lizards}

{Pirate ring toss}

{We hid all different reptiles in the grass, rocks and trees. The blended in SO good it took us a while to find the last 8 or 9 (there were 48 all together).}

{The snake cake Landon's mom Emily made. Isn't it AWESOME??}

{Lincoln on birthday morning! Reagan wrapped a small gift 4 times!!! She giggled louder and louder after he opened each layer. She thought she was SOOOOOO tricky! When did my kids get so old?}

{Crepes for birthday dinner! So far, that's what each of my kids have asked for! I can't blame them!!!}

{Relighting the candles over and over again! My pyromaniac kids! Reagan's hair almost caught on fire TWICE.}

{I asked Zach to be in charge of Lincoln's birthday banner. I usually use crayons and markers and it takes me maybe 10 minutes. Zach walked out into the garage, and came back 2 minutes later with this baby! I LOVE delegation :) Reagan LOVED the fumes from the spray paint. She really is a mini-Kate! }

Lincoln is just like his dad. He's funny. Loves the outdoors. Likes to have friends over, but is also very content just building, reading, gaming, and hunting all by himself. He's a crazy inventor! I hope someday some of his ideas can truly come to life. He has a great imagination. His thought process is so fun! I love it when he explains how he sees things. He's learned to tease his sisters a lot more recently... but other than that... he's still my little sweetheart!!! Recently he's been able to go to work with Zach. It has been so great for BOTH of them. I hope he grows up to be just like Zach... minus being injury prone....