That Didn't Last Long

The boys' careers in karate is over.  After a few sessions, Isaiah said he wanted a break and he would go back when he was a daddy.  We don't want to push them into activities they aren't interested in, but also want them to really think about quitting before they actually quit for good. We said he could take some time off and then see if he wanted to go back. So for the past month he didn't attend and it truly didn't phase him when Malachi left for class.  Then a few weeks ago Malachi mentioned that he would like to try gymnastics.  James took him to look in on a class and Malachi was super excited about it.  Isaiah said he wanted to try it, too.

So tonight was the boys' first class of gymnastics.  I was at a doctor's appointment and had to miss it so I asked them all about it.
               
                  Me:  How was class?
                  Isaiah:  It was A-W-E-S-O-M-E!!!!
                  Me:  What was your favorite part?
                  Isaiah:  E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G!!!!
   
And Malachi had identical answers.  I guess for now we have 2 gymnasts; hoping this will last more than a month or two =)

Birthday Celebrations, Karate, and Cute Shoes

As previously blogged about, Malachi's birthday was on New Year's.  After spending a few days after Christmas with James' parents, the kiddos returned in the afternoon on Malachi's birthday.  I was anxious to have our little people back and to celebrate his 6th birthday.  The night before James baked the cake and then on Sunday I decorated it.  Since they received Light Sabers for Christmas, I thought a "Star Wars" themed cake would be fun.  A dear friend found the recipe for this cake and I executed it as best as this unprofessional could.  The "Sabers" were made out of frosted Twinkies that were sprinkled with colored sugar granules.  The handle was made out of chocolate ice cream cones.  And the stars were melted Laffy Taffy pieces, rolled out and cut in the shape of the star.  I did the best I could and both boys were pleased with the outcome (Before Malachi even saw the cake, he said it better be a Star Wars cake.  Whew!)

Since Malachi couldn't celebrate his birthday with his classmates, I told him that he could bring cupcakes a few days after classes resumed. He was adament that the boys HAD to have blue cupcakes and the girls HAD to have pink cupcakes.  Thursday night I asked him to get a headcount of how many boys and girls were in the class so we could make sure to frost enough of each color.  Friday afternoon he came home with a print-out of his classmates names and then on the back of the paper he had counted how many boys vs girls and added the total number of cupcakes needed.  Obsessed much?!?  All weekend long he reminded me that after church we needed to get the cupcakes ready.  Yes, sweet Malachi, Mommy would NOT dare to forget!  So last night, I baked the cupcakes and he insisted on frosting the blue ones and I could do the yucky pink.  Oh he was precious being so serious because you know cupcakes are quite the serious business when you're a 6 year old =)

This afternoon we made it a family affair and all of us went to his classroom so that we could participate in his class enjoying Malachi's birthday.  It started off by Malachi standing on a chair while all of us kneeled on one knee and sang "Happy Birthday" to him. Then he chose a girl to help pass out the pink cupcakes because ewww! he couldn't touch that!!!  Isaiah wanted to help, too, so I had him hold the pan for the little girl.  All of the children had to wait until Malachi ate the first bite of his cupcake and then they could all enjoy their tasty treat.  I also bought the crazy, swirly drinking straws that Malachi passed out as a little party favor.  We ended the time by joining the class outside for their 3rd recess.  James pushed Samara, Isaiah joined "Malachi's team", and I chit-chatted with Mrs. O.  What an awesome afternoon!

We ended the day with the boys going to their first karate class.  At first, Malachi didn't want to go, but we told him that he had to try it for a few times before deciding whether or not he wanted to keep at it.  Of course, Isaiah was alllll about going.  The teacher encouraged James to try the class out with them so he participated as well.  Samara and I looked through the windows.  James said that while Isaiah followed instructions he kept trying to talk quite a bit during the session.  Isaiah a talker?  No way!  It will be interesting to see if they continue to pursue this or if they want to try other classes.  Samara begins her dance class on Friday and I have no doubt she will love it...our little dancing queen!

As a complete side note, aren't these the cutest little shoes?!?  I looked high and low for Samara's size (even checked online), but alas her feet are too big.  Bummer.