Day 26...POJO's

McCall's birthday fun continued today. (Today is the last day!)  She wanted so badly to go to POJO's, so today we went.  Uncle J and Jen went too.  The kids got tokens and wristbands for unlimited rides on the bumper cars and the carousel.

They played, and played and played.

Daddy and Bodie raced cars.

McCall played Deer Hunter.  I'm not sure what I think about this...

Bodie, "The Blur" made a few trips down the slide.

Rhys hung out, rockin' the Mountain View hat.

Bodie and McCall had a BLAST on the bumper cars and carousel, but my camera battery died so I don't have any pictures of that.  Let me tell you though, the bumper cars were hilarious!

Day 25...In the backyard

I worked all day yesterday and today, so I didn't have much time (or energy) for pictures. However, the kids are so simple in nature that they are thrilled beyond belief when we un-childproof the back door and release them into the wild unknown, aka our backyard. 

Because we apparently live in the rain forest, our yard has not between mowed in weeks.  Every time we have an opportunity to mow, its raining...or thundering...or there are tornado warnings!  So, it has gone to seed. 

Yet we still have fun.  Don't tell Rob, but I saw McCall blowing dandelions.  He doesn't stand for those in our yard, but look what I found...

At least our garden likes the rain.  Look at my romaine lettuce, I'm so excited!

We played on the swings, until it was time for dinner.

Then I discovered why you should never leave spray paint within reach of Bodie.  That is unless of course you want you barbecue "tagged".

He gave me these...

and this...

so he is forgiven, for today at least!

Day 24...a rare moment

McCall really has been wanting to test drive her new scooter outside, but the weather has not been cooperating.  However, after dinner and a quick trip (well, not exactly quick shopping with a family of 5 for a family of 5) to Winco it was clear enough to take it for a spin. 

She's not quite as timid on the scooter as she is her bike.  Bodie waited and waited for a turn, and finally McCall granted him a scoot or two.  Then they wanted to rest and smell the fresh air before turning in for the night. 

Bodie spontaneously reached over...

My heart melted, could it be they are the best friends I thought they would never be.  No more fighting, arguing or yelling.  Nope, dreams crushed.  McCall quickly threw his arm off of her.  Back to reality, but at least I have a picture to prove it happened.

Day 23... Happy Birthday Miss McCall!

*Disclaimer* This is going to be long.  It's not everyday your first born turns five!

McCall turned 5 today.  Time flies.  Just 5 years ago Rob got a breakfast burrito from Del Taco at 5 am.  That same morning I walked into St. Luke's looking like this...

After a few hours, I got this...

Then a day later we went home with the sweetest little girl.

Now that little girl is five, and for the most part she is still sweet. But you have got to be kidding me.  Where did that time go.  (Oh, ya.  I had two more kids.  Funny how that eats up your time!)

McCall woke up and proclaimed that "she felt five".  I wonder what "five" feels like?  Then Rhys got out the guitar and played while Bodie and I sang Happy Birthday.

Just for the record when your daughter turns 5, you are required to spend your time babysitting dolls...

When Rob was done babysitting, the kids and I made cupcakes.  After much deliberation in the cake aisle, and I mean MUCH deliberation, McCall settled on Devil's food cake mix.  I think it must have turned out alright.

Then we added candles.

We had a little spare time, so I thought we would do a fun little activity.  Bubble snakes.

So we cut the pop bottles, fastened an old sock on the end and dipped them in diluted dish soap.  But I forgot to tell the kids just to blow and not to breathe in.  Whoops.  I made my daughter throw-up on her birthday.  There goes my Mother of the Year award.  Damn I just got that award back.

After spitting and regurgitating bubbles for 20 minutes, we relaxed in the grass.  It was finally nice outside.

Bodie looks like he might be contemplating his next move, what do you think?

Aren't my boys cute.  I'm partial, but I know I'm right.

What a sweet sister.

Adorable kids, their parents must be cute.  Ha, just kidding.  It skips a generation.

McCall made this birdhouse.  She insisted that I take a picture.  It's a dried squash with a hole.  She painted it really cute and the little birds love it.

After a wonderful dinner, it was present time.  McCall waited so patiently all day long.

Rhys loved the wrapping paper.

Ohhh, how cute.

Bri Bri and Amber gave these gifts.  McCall's necklace set is blocking the water from the squirt gun.  Thanks for filling up that water gun Bri Bri!

Papa Burt and Nanny Rene gave her the cutest skirt with a little something extra in the pocket.  McCall is ready to go shopping.

Papa Don gave her a credit card, and she said "yeah I needed another one of these!"

Yeah!!!!

I got a.....

SCOOTER!!!!

Let's not forgot that Papa's birthday was yesterday.  I don't have any baby pictures of him.  That would have been a good idea, but I'm not that organized and I don't think that far ahead.  However, he did get the Wii he has been wanting and I think he liked it.

After all that, we blew out the candles and enjoyed our cupcakes.

Wow, that was a BUSY day!

Day 22...Those silly Vian boys

Bodie was "working" today with this bowl on his head.

Then he spotted Rhys, who was watching his big brother. 

So what does Bodie decide to do...

well put the bowl on his brother of course.  I'm not sure that Rhys enjoyed it as much as Bodie did, but he played along well.

And Bodie thought it was about the funniest thing ever.

He is easily entertained.

Day 21...We have been crafty around here

McCall and I have been busy.  It's her birthday month, so I made a balloon wreath for the front door.  It was really fun to make, and she had a blast helping me.  I under-estimated the number of balloons I would need.  I started with 100 and when all was said and done, I used 400+.  Man I love the dollar store.

Tomorrow is McCall's last day of speech with Ms. Allen.  She has come a long way this year and we are so thankful for that.  Ms. Allen is a great teacher, so McCall and I painted a terra cotta pot with chalkboard paint and McCall picked out a flower.  I think it turned out really cute.

On another note, I'm 21 days into my "365 project".  So far so good.  I have always heard it takes 21 days to form a habit, and I'm getting used to taking pictures everyday.  My family on the other hand...I'm not sure.  I have had a lot of positive thoughts from many of you.  I'm glad you enjoy, and I love your comments (thanks Amber!)  So 344 days left...