Can you believe I'm STILL writing about Matt turning 6? Lesson learned. Do not plan a kid party and a family party for the same day. It's too much for the kid...and the parents, too! We had a fun day, but we were wiped out at the end of it all.
A few hours after the friends left, Nana & Papa, and Holly and her family joined us and Grandma Marilyn for a family party. These have always been pretty low-key. Dessert, some play time for the kids, and opening a few presents. This was no different, except that most of the kids were already pretty sugared up and tired out.
They needed to burn off some extra energy, so this is what they came up with on their own. It kept them entertained for quite a while! (Sorry the video is flipped sideways for the beginning part.)
Tennis Balls from Hilary Moorlach on Vimeo.
One last video...I LOVE watching Matt's expression at the end.
Singing from Hilary Moorlach on Vimeo.
2.23.2009
The Partay!
We made it through Matt's 6th birthday party. What a difference there is between kid #1 and kid #2. For Ben's 6th, I spent weeks thinking about it (his was a planet theme), making homemade invitations, planet booklets and thank you cards, making all the games planet themed and on and on!
Matt got store bought invitations, cupcakes out of a box and the night before I was making a list of games we could play. Fortunately, Matt is a pretty appreciative kid and he was no different for his party. He was all smiles, despite getting up at 6:15 that morning, and when I tucked him in that night he said, "Mom, that was the best birthday party ever!"
Some highlights:
Light Saber Limbo
The crew & their light sabers
Pinning the clothespins as quickly as you can
Clothespin Results
More results
Musical Chairs
Matt and two of his favorite gals!
At this point in the party, only 30 minutes had gone by, so we had to come up with somefillers games. Good ol' London Bridges Falling Down (which was a HUGE hit), Wiggle Wiggle Freeze, and Duck Duck Gray Duck came in handy, but I was too busy playing to take any pictures!
Matt got store bought invitations, cupcakes out of a box and the night before I was making a list of games we could play. Fortunately, Matt is a pretty appreciative kid and he was no different for his party. He was all smiles, despite getting up at 6:15 that morning, and when I tucked him in that night he said, "Mom, that was the best birthday party ever!"
Some highlights:
Light Saber Limbo
The crew & their light sabers
Pinning the clothespins as quickly as you can
Clothespin Results
More results
Musical Chairs
Matt and two of his favorite gals!
At this point in the party, only 30 minutes had gone by, so we had to come up with some
He loved his cake (We actually didn't eat this until the evening gathering with family...more on that in the next post!)
How friendly...
Nothing beats a machine gun on a bday cake!
All in all, it went well, but I am glad it's over and that I don't have to think about another birthday party for a while! Adam won't get a party for his 3rd in October, and we'll have to worry about Ben's 9th in December when we get there. Maybe a movie and a sleepover?
How friendly...
Nothing beats a machine gun on a bday cake!
All in all, it went well, but I am glad it's over and that I don't have to think about another birthday party for a while! Adam won't get a party for his 3rd in October, and we'll have to worry about Ben's 9th in December when we get there. Maybe a movie and a sleepover?
2.21.2009
Too Late To Cancel?
Can I cancel a birthday party? Has that ever happened before? It's just not turning out to be the right day for this event.
I was feeling guilty for eating too many of Grandma's cookies, so I decided to hop on the treadmill at 10:45 last night. Running at night revs a person up, so it was 12:30before I went to bed.
Matt was up at 6:15. He's a bit excited for his birthday party. Matt is not a morning guy. At all! He's been CRABY this morning. So have I.
I've got the house to myself right now because Matt asked for a hair cut (I guess he wants to look nice for all the ladies coming over today)which is a nice calm before the storm. I'd love for him to have a nap before the party, but it probably won't happen.
I just hope he doesn't have any "Matt Moments" during his party. Hopefully we can all pull it together and have a good time. Afterall, the party only lasts 2 hours!
I was feeling guilty for eating too many of Grandma's cookies, so I decided to hop on the treadmill at 10:45 last night. Running at night revs a person up, so it was 12:30before I went to bed.
Matt was up at 6:15. He's a bit excited for his birthday party. Matt is not a morning guy. At all! He's been CRABY this morning. So have I.
I've got the house to myself right now because Matt asked for a hair cut (I guess he wants to look nice for all the ladies coming over today)which is a nice calm before the storm. I'd love for him to have a nap before the party, but it probably won't happen.
I just hope he doesn't have any "Matt Moments" during his party. Hopefully we can all pull it together and have a good time. Afterall, the party only lasts 2 hours!
2.19.2009
Raw Footage
We kept Matt's bday celebration pretty simple tonight. We went to McDs for supper, and then had leftover Valentines cupcakes. His first ever friend party and our extended family get-together will all be on Saturday.
This little video is wrong for so many reasons! Out of tune singing, messy house, crazy & hyper boys...you name it!
But, the one thing that makes it right, makes it all worth it. We have a happy, healthy 6 year old boy, and to him, this was just perfect!
Matt's Bday from Hilary Moorlach on Vimeo.
This little video is wrong for so many reasons! Out of tune singing, messy house, crazy & hyper boys...you name it!
But, the one thing that makes it right, makes it all worth it. We have a happy, healthy 6 year old boy, and to him, this was just perfect!
Matt's Bday from Hilary Moorlach on Vimeo.
Happy Birthday, Matt!
Matthew Robert is 6 years old today!
This is the boy who...
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Officially 6! Backpack, snowgear, treats for school...ready to go!
This is the boy who...
- Came flying out 4 days past his due date...total labor/delivery time = 90 minutes
- Required me to have a D & C because the placenta wouldn't deliver
- SCREAMED much of the first night in the hospital, and he was LOUD
- SCREAMED much of his first year of life, and he was LOUD
- Had 12+ ear infections in the first year
- Spent several nights sleeping in his stroller due to the ear infections
- Had tubes put in at 13 months
- Seen by a physical therapist from 15 -18 months because he wasn't pulling himself up
- Finally began walking at 18 months
- Finally began talking around 19 months
- Began wearing glasses at age 4
Needless to say, Matt has been the child that has required the most energy from us in terms of the care needed. He has been and always will be our "intense" and "emotional" child, but we wouldn't change him for the world! He is also our child with the softest heart towards others, an absolutely contagious giggle, and the sweetest little voice that is still working on pronouncing "r sounds".
Matt is independent minded, smart, loving, strong-willed, silly, kind, and full of life. We are so very proud of the accomplishments he's made in his first 6 years of life. From the bumpy start we had with him for the first 1 1/2 years, to a boy who embraces kindergarten whole-heartedly, is learning to read, enjoys going to Sunday school, loves to play with his friends, swims, runs, jumps, rides his bike, and is trying baseball for the first time this spring, he really has come a long, long way! We are so very blessed that God has given him to us!
Happy Birthday, Buddy! We love you very, very much!
Picture 1: Check out his baby chub!
Picture 2: A rare picture of baby Matt smiling
Picture 3: Matt's version of thumb-sucking. He still does this when he's very tired.
Picture 4: Before he started walking, he would scoot around on his butt. We were amazed at how flexible he seemed to be, and that he preferred his legs to be spread so far apart!
Our happy boy!
.jpg)
Officially 6! Backpack, snowgear, treats for school...ready to go!
2.17.2009
No You Didn't
Yes, I did.
For some reason, this is the phrase that can be repeated a few times over when it comes to me and window blinds. At our first house, the blinds were pulled open, and the "excess" string was bothering me and I wanted to tidy up the look. I decided to "trim" the cords, and quickly realized that I no longer would be able to shut the blinds.
No you didn't!
Yes, I did.
At our current house, the boys' rooms face west and get hot afternoon sun during nap time. The plastic blinds that were on the windows when we bought the house weren't room darkening, so I hung a quilt on a tension rod to block out the sun, meanwhile heating up the blinds underneath, and eventually melting them.
No you didn't!
Yes, I did.
Yesterday, I was looking out the deck door, and the grit and grime on the fabric vertical blinds got the better of me. I googled how to wash vertical blinds, and after sifting through various suggestions, decided that the idea to take them down and soak them in a warm tub with Scrubbing Bubbles bathroom cleaner was the most logical solution.
No you didn't!
Yes, I did!
For some reason, this is the phrase that can be repeated a few times over when it comes to me and window blinds. At our first house, the blinds were pulled open, and the "excess" string was bothering me and I wanted to tidy up the look. I decided to "trim" the cords, and quickly realized that I no longer would be able to shut the blinds.
No you didn't!
Yes, I did.
At our current house, the boys' rooms face west and get hot afternoon sun during nap time. The plastic blinds that were on the windows when we bought the house weren't room darkening, so I hung a quilt on a tension rod to block out the sun, meanwhile heating up the blinds underneath, and eventually melting them.
No you didn't!
Yes, I did.
Yesterday, I was looking out the deck door, and the grit and grime on the fabric vertical blinds got the better of me. I googled how to wash vertical blinds, and after sifting through various suggestions, decided that the idea to take them down and soak them in a warm tub with Scrubbing Bubbles bathroom cleaner was the most logical solution.
No you didn't!
Yes, I did!
But this time, it worked out perfectly (even though it kind of felt like washing and drip-drying 30 ace bandages)! I was thrilled with how clean and white the blinds look, and how easy the process was. I even took pictures to prove it.
No, you didn't!
No, you didn't!
Dirty Blinds Soaking
Left-Over Gunk in the Tub
Drip-Drying
Sparkling White!
Yes, I did!
2.14.2009
Day of Love Disaster!
Valentines Day!! Love, romance and roses.
Or not.
Our family decided we would meet up with Holly's 2 kids (whom we are helping to watch this weekend) and my parents and go to the zoo. We decided we would make a morning of it, so I got lunches made for all 9 of us.
Unfortunately, Brian and I were having severe communication failure today. My request to help clean up the kitchen before we left was interpreted as wipe down the computer screen after checking in on the progress of the Twins Stadium.
My request for helping juggle the 5 kids in the parking lot was interpreted as stay in the car with one child while my parents and I jugggle the other 4, the parking lot, and getting 2 strollers out of the car.
My request for help with watching some of the kids while we walk around Discovery Bay was interpreted as get completely distracted with the dolphins and forget about the kids.
Major communication breakdown!
To top it off, the zoo was having tropical beach day, and every possible Minnesotan who has felt cooped up all winter and needed a taste of the tropics was at the zoo today, so it was VERY busy!
After being in the Discovery Bay area for 10 minutes, my mom and I took all 5 kids into a smaller cove area that has a coral reef display with a waterfall and a place for kids to reach in and touch the water.
Can you guess where this is headed?
My mom. Me. We're frustrated with help we don't seem to be getting from our spouses. 5 kids. Place for kids to reach in the water.
SPLASH!
Yes, Anna took a swim in the coral reef today, less than 15 minutes after arriving at the zoo.
Head to toe she was soaking wet. We got her as dried off as possible, and that was it for Valentine's day at the zoo.
Next year, I think I'll plan to stay home and eat lots of chocolate!
2.12.2009
The Finger
Did that title get your attention?
As I was getting ready this morning, I heard Matt playing and talking, but wasn't paying too much attention to what he was saying. The next thing I know, he's walking into my bathroom giving me the bird and saying, "I'm swearing, I'm swearing!"
I was horrified!
I'm sure my face must have been pure white, because as soon as I said, "Matt, where did you learn that?" he froze and knew immediately that something wasn't right. Appparently another little boy at school taught it to him.
I wasn't angry. He's 5, and of course he wouldn't know what the gesture means or even what the word swearing means. I took this as the perfect opportunity to explain that he should never use that gesture, and that it means a very bad word.
Ben being Ben asked, "What word does it stand for?"
I said he didn't need to know.
As I was getting ready this morning, I heard Matt playing and talking, but wasn't paying too much attention to what he was saying. The next thing I know, he's walking into my bathroom giving me the bird and saying, "I'm swearing, I'm swearing!"
I was horrified!
I'm sure my face must have been pure white, because as soon as I said, "Matt, where did you learn that?" he froze and knew immediately that something wasn't right. Appparently another little boy at school taught it to him.
I wasn't angry. He's 5, and of course he wouldn't know what the gesture means or even what the word swearing means. I took this as the perfect opportunity to explain that he should never use that gesture, and that it means a very bad word.
Ben being Ben asked, "What word does it stand for?"
I said he didn't need to know.
Adam's ABCs
After a few attempts, I finally figured out how to post a video! Adam has been loving singing lately, so here it is. We think it's pretty cute how a few letters of the alphabet are omitted, while others are duplicated! Not bad for 2-year old.
Adam's ABCs from Hilary Moorlach on Vimeo.
Adam's ABCs from Hilary Moorlach on Vimeo.
2.10.2009
Valentine's Box
This is the first year we've had the "privilege" of making a Valentine's box for school. Ben (with some encouragement from Brian) decided he wanted his box to look like a baseball field. We (meaning Brian and I) got to work right away! Ben actually did help quite a bit, but Brian was very much into the box making. Even though it was late and he was tired, he had the ruler out, searched for just the right scissors, and was being very precise in his measurements.
The Inspiration
Measuring
Cutting
Finished Product
The Namesake
The Field
The Inspiration
Measuring
Cutting
Finished Product
The Namesake
The Field
2.09.2009
Winter Carnival
Last weekend it finally was "warm" in the Twin Cities. We took the boys to the St. Paul Winter Carnival to walk around and look at the ice sculptures. I was so busy getting everything ready for them, I forgot to throw my coat in the car. Fortunately, it was balmy day here! We ventured into the Landmark Center (or the castle as Adam called it) where there were many kids' activities going on. It was great to get out of the house and into some fresh air!
Spongebob...the first sculpture they saw and they were thrilled!
King Ben on his throne
The Boys & Me (coatless)
Takin' It All In
As close to a tropical island as we'll be for a long time!
*This was my favorite. It's worth clicking on this picture to see the details!
Landmark Center...aka "The Castle"
Ben on stage with Radio Disney hostess
Spongebob...the first sculpture they saw and they were thrilled!
King Ben on his throne
The Boys & Me (coatless)
Takin' It All In
As close to a tropical island as we'll be for a long time!
*This was my favorite. It's worth clicking on this picture to see the details!
Landmark Center...aka "The Castle"
Ben on stage with Radio Disney hostess
2.08.2009
A Night Out
It's been too long since Brian and I have had a night out without kids. We finally had a chance to go out for dinner with 3 other neighbor couples, and we had a nice night out! We went to a Japanese restaurant and ate at one of their teppanyaki tables. Although we enjoyed the night without the boys, we both did say that it would be fun to let the boys experience a restaurant like this when they are older.
Bad hair Hil & Mali
Tammy & Sheila
TJ & Ron
Chad & Brian
Bad hair Hil & Mali
Tammy & Sheila
TJ & Ron
Chad & Brian
2.07.2009
Quotables
One of my favorite things about blogs is when people post funny comments that they or their kids make. It reminds me that maybe our house isn't so abnormal after all.
I decided I would pay more attention to what's being said around here and start a Quotables section of my own.
You never know what you might hear on any given day in our household!
I decided I would pay more attention to what's being said around here and start a Quotables section of my own.
You never know what you might hear on any given day in our household!
2.04.2009
Not Enough Time!
For all you bloggers out there, I haven't forgotten about you. I just haven't had time to be reading blogs and leaving comments lately, and I miss it! It's been a busy week.
What have we been up to you might ask??
Took the boys to the St. Paul Winter Carnival and had a great time...pix coming
Took 90 5th graders on an all-day, outdoor field trip when the high was 14 degrees
Did laundry at Holly's since our dyer wasn't working...LONG story
Called the gas company twice b/c the new dryer was leaking gas...LONG story
Tried to exercise since my school's Biggest Loser contest has started
Did report cards
Prepared for parent-teacher conferences next week
Tried to plan a few meals ahead of time
Drove the neighborhood carpool
Read a ridiculously long 2nd grade chapter book to/with Ben
Practiced "star" words with Matt
Played legos with Adam
TRIED to get to bed before 11:00
I'm sure each of you has lists just as long, if not much longer and much more complicated. Sometimes the weeks go smoothly, and sometimes they're a little on the rough side. This one has been a busy week, and I'm looking forward to the weekend and a "date night" out with Brian and a few other couples!
What have we been up to you might ask??
Took the boys to the St. Paul Winter Carnival and had a great time...pix coming
Took 90 5th graders on an all-day, outdoor field trip when the high was 14 degrees
Did laundry at Holly's since our dyer wasn't working...LONG story
Called the gas company twice b/c the new dryer was leaking gas...LONG story
Tried to exercise since my school's Biggest Loser contest has started
Did report cards
Prepared for parent-teacher conferences next week
Tried to plan a few meals ahead of time
Drove the neighborhood carpool
Read a ridiculously long 2nd grade chapter book to/with Ben
Practiced "star" words with Matt
Played legos with Adam
TRIED to get to bed before 11:00
I'm sure each of you has lists just as long, if not much longer and much more complicated. Sometimes the weeks go smoothly, and sometimes they're a little on the rough side. This one has been a busy week, and I'm looking forward to the weekend and a "date night" out with Brian and a few other couples!
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