January is always always a crazy month for us and boy is that a challenge, right after Thanksgiving and Christmas! It is a joyful thing to celebrate my firstborn, the 4th of January, but it is hard to get a party scheduled, ban winter illness from our home and avoid winter weather...and a good bit of mama fatigue from the previous holidaying!
But, we do it! We press on! After all, how often do you turn 9? :) I love this little one. He is such a delight in so many many ways. He is a firecracker too. One that I has taught me more about myself than any of my children...and I am seeing that that will likely continue. He came out determined. And that determination remains. Lately, I have been trying to teach the boys about developing character. Landon chose to work on his determination and flexibility. Both of these traits are wonderful traits to have, but the negative qualities of these traits are pretty tough to parent. But, we are working on it and I am finding that the positive spin is always better.
Landon is strong, spirited, sensitive. A hard combo for sure. He will fight with a brick wall, but will cry out of frustration if he feels he has not been heard. He loves to be around his friends and is the class clown. He is very athletic and fast, witty and attentive to the Holy Spirit...what an awesome creation God has made in Landon Cole. We sure are blessed to have him in our lives. Enjoy our many celebrations!!
We started with a sleepover with his 3 best friends, JD, Porter and Sophia. They have all been his buddies since infancy. Pretty crazy when you think about it.
Daddy and Lindsay sat down for a princess movie while the birthday crew watched a big kid movie.
After playing some video games...and taking turns like champs! All firstborns or onlies, these four had a system...
Then, it was time for brownie cake!
Lindsay was pleased to be included!
A skim board!!! Yay! JD has been waiting to give this to Landon since the summer. Landon was one happy camper!
Very cool Spirograph from Porter!
And the beloved legos...always a hit! Thanks Sophia!
Landon and his best pals...and his baby sis.
Crazies...
With big kids, they actually can take the time to assemble the lego projects on their own now...
And, check out slides in microscopes! What fun being a little bit older brings!
Next, it was Landon's birthday morning, the first day back to school after winter break. Daddy made him a giant pancake. He and Raffie enjoyed it very much. You know, we always celebrate Raffie's birthday too. :)
I ended up taking the day off of work so I could bring cupcakes to school and take Connor to his Eye appointment at Duke without running around like a crazy person.
I think he was pleased. He actually came running when he saw me and gave me a big hug. That right there was the best gift a mama could get. Mrs. Collins had him stand on his desk, along with his friend Michaela who shares a birthday with him. The whole class sung and we all enjoyed a chocolate cup cake.
I love that little grin I caught...
That night after everyone returned home, Tori and Katie came over to celebrate Landon.
Birthdays with siblings...
Landon being crazy...note Raffie on the table...
My big 9 year old!
Lindsay Jane had Katie and Tori in stitches that night...
Landon being crazy, but happy about his baseball book.
Lots of Nationals gear!!
More books and cards and a sweet look to mama when he found out he was going to the Monster Truck Jam for his birthday gift from us...with his Daddy and brother...
I think it was a hit...
Next birthday celebration was with our family. Kay also shares Landon's birthday, so we gathered the adults, got a wonderful babysitter and let all the cousins play while we went to dinner to celebrate Kay and came back to our house to celebrate both Kay and Landon with cake and ice cream. Patti, Alan, Ross, Brandon and Anna came. It was so so much fun. You can see that Lindsay Jane did not mind the extra snuggles from Patti. :)
Kay and Alan chilling on the couch. :)
More relaxing. :)
Stan and Ross had a chance to catch up. They always look like they are up to something, yes?
And birthday time!
Anna was so creative with the "9" on one side and the "61" on the other. :)
Who doesn't enjoy cake? Especially when it is ice cream cake!!!
Nanny got a big hug for a really super cool Pokemon card...
That is awesome!! Yes, a point for mom who tipped off Nanny...though I have to admit I had no idea it would get that reaction...
Everyone wanted to see the cards. Nanny was super excited too. :) It is such a gift to be able to watch someone open a gift you give and love it. :)
Nanny got an adult coloring book. Sweet Connorbug picked it out for her and I would say it was also a hit.
Landon got the age old classic, "Simon"...love!
And a baseball batting glove from Moo, B and Cole! Love this picture. Sweet sweet Moo and B love their little nephews and niece and we all love them right back!
And, Nanny! She was surprised with tickets to see Matilda (iced out- Augh!) and dinner at Dos Peros. We will reschedule, but I was also delighted to see her so happy with her surprise!
Next stop...Woods Charter School! These three boys had a joint school birthday party! Fun fun fun as it was a Nerf War!!!
Super cool cake from Harris Teeter!!
Ms. Sherry organized the troops!
Landon doing his target practice.
More target practice!
Connor was not going to be outdone by the big kids!
Neither was Stan...
And, little Miss Priss...are you kidding me?
Getting her ammo...
I am scared...
All the kids gathered their ammo for the war...
Action shots.
Ms. Sherry had to have a couple clarifications on rules...haha!
Landon and Hallie strategizing...
Awe. Someone took a picture of mama! We sure had fun watching the boys!
My favorite shot...
Super fun!
Ms. Sherry even ended it by talking about sportsmanship, strategy and teamwork. It was great!
Lindsay Jane decided to make her own game. You know, kick your boot off...at people!
Time for pizza!!
Birthday boys and their super cool cake!
Time to blow out the candles!! (on separate plates with separate pieces of cake with separate germs!)
And...even though we said no gifts...there were some Pokemon cards and other fun things exchanged!
What a fun fun birthday set of celebrations for our 9 year old!! I hope you enjoyed!
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