Rayn's Birthday

Rayn's birthday was yesterday and we had his party Saturday. This was the best turnout he's ever had which was great. Last year, we invited about 10 kids to go to the Childrens Museum but only 3 showed up. It was really disappointing for Rayn so to have all the kids show up was a great thing. Of course, all of them are tweens and are too cool for party games this year so I had no idea what they were going to do. Rayn made it quite clear he didn't want party games. I made it a pretty simple party for him. Just cake, ice cream and pizza with some homemade punch. There were very little decorations and he liked it just fine that way.

Elliott doesn't know what to think of all the kids.

Rayn opening presents



Elliott playing in her playpen while the kids played the Wii.


Rayn still opening presents.


A couple of Rayn's girlfriends.


Rayn and friends getting punch.


The cake.


Enjoying pizza.


This kid is a trooper. He was very responsible and avoided the cake and ice cream because he is a diabetic. He even tested while he was there. He is only 9.

On Friday, I had planned on getting Rayn a bike because there are really no kids his age in our neighborhood (which is odd considering we're a block away from his school) and we wanted him to have transportation to his friends houses. The problem is that the last time we got him a bike, he rode it to school locked it up and then left it there until someone decided to cut the lock and steal the bike. We were not really wanting the same thing to happen. I went to the local bike shop and they were charging nearly $300 for a kids bike! I didn't want to go to Walmart because we won't shop there anymore so I decided to change what we were going to get. If we were going to spend that kind of money it would have to be on something that wouldn't leave the house, that he would enjoy but wouldn't go against our rules on video games and television, and that wouldn't have him sitting on his butt. So...a Wii is what we got for him. This served two purposes - it's something Rayn would enjoy and we can get the Wii Fit which is what I asked Derek to get me for our 5th wedding anniversary which is coming up on the first of May. Rayn couldn't believe we got him a Wii:

All the kids took turns playing Wii Sports. They seemed to have a really good time. One kid who's a bit of a trouble maker got picked on a lot and although I'm not a big fan of the kid it was really unfair. Rayn had been treated this way at a party in October and he really hated it, so I pulled him aside and reminded him of that. He really stepped up to the plate and made all the other kids apologize and he turned the party around. I'm proud of him for that. Forrest was also awesome on Saturday. He did most of the cleaning while I made breakfast and took care of Elliott. He then made sure to help out with the kids at the party. He made sure that everyone took turns on the Wii and he also let me know what was happening with the kid that was picked on. All in all the day was a success. Rayn spent the night at a friends and Forrest went skating so I got to take a turn on the Wii as well. That is a really fun game system. I love the fact that you are not just sitting on your butt. I can't wait till we get the Wii Fit system. Maybe it will help me start getting in shape. That and the weather getting better will make me want to get outside. I think that Elliott and I might take a walk today.

On Sunday, Derek had to work again. It sucked but that is what helps me be a stay at home mom. If he didn't have this job, I wouldn't be able to be here. It was a lazy day. The boys were out most of the day so me and Elliot just hung out together.

Monday, Rayn's actual birthday, we went and got him a game for the Wii and watched Heroes which is our family activity on Mondays. Elliott and I did a little shopping and got the car registered finally. All in all it was a good couple of days. Here's a cute pic of Elliott in her little polka dot dress:


Her hair is getting longer only on top. It's kind of funny. But it looks like it's going to be so red. We're excited about that. She made her first actual laugh yesterday but I haven't been able to get her to do it again yet. Soon she'll be laughing a lot.


Here's a few pics from today. Now it's time for us to go do some grocery shopping. Derek is out of town for the week which sucks. He'll be home on Friday though. I'll write some more in a few days.