Riley’s 6th Birthday

We had Riley’s 6th birthday party last weekend at the Jazzercise facility. It was the perfect space for what we did: Legos, of course! Bricks4Kidz, the same company that put on the summer camp, came out for Riley’s party. Teachers Abbey and Katie were there to help the kids, and they brought lots of different build options.

 

Riley really wanted a Ninjago party, but unfortunately Bricks4Kidz didn’t have any specific Ninjago builds. However, Riley settled on a few pirate-themed builds since the latest season of Ninjago is about sky pirates. The kids built either a pirate ship, a trebuchet, a chomping crocodile, or a fishing pirate.

They also had plenty of time for free play with the huge bag of loose Lego pieces. This is always Riley’s favorite part. In fact, I was impressed that he actually sat down to do one of the structured builds. But he was very sweet and helped Colin build a chomping crocodile.

In lieu of the typical games that Bricks4Kids usually does during birthday parties, Riley requested the same volcano experiment that he did in summer camp. The kids collaborated to build the volcano out of Legos and then Abbey made it erupt by adding vinegar to baking soda and food coloring. They loved it and of course asked if they could touch it.

 

After the volcano and a bit more free play, it was cake time. Kenny and Grandma actually got the cake done a few days before the party, which worked really well. Riley requested a green djinn blade (a special sword in Ninjago), so that’s what they did. Kenny said it was one of the easiest cakes he’s done, and it looked really cool when it was all done.

We lit the candles (held by Lego guys custom built by the birthday boy), sang to Riley, and cut the cake. It was a fun party; I think Riley had a great time!

  

Riley opened his presents when we got home and was so excited to see what he got. He especially loved the Nightmare Before Christmas movie from Alcee and the big Jack pillow from Claire and Colin. He immediately started putting together a small Lego set and Rory insisted that Kenny set up the new marble run. Happy boys!

 

Riley’s actual birthday was Tuesday. Kenny hung the balloons leftover from his party in front of his bedroom door so that he got a surprise when he woke up. And I decorated his place at the breakfast table with streamers, balloons, and his birthday plate. He was excited to discover it all that morning!

He unfortunately had to go to school on his birthday, but I found a big birthday sticker that I put on his shirt before we left. He came home that afternoon wearing a birthday crown and with a special note from Mrs. Smith. And a birthday homework pass! He decided to save it for another day. I offered to take him to get Tutti Frutti or another treat after school but he decided he wanted to just go home.

His class celebrated the three August birthdays yesterday. We contributed donut holes and they also had juice pouches. He said it was fun!

Happy happy birthday, my sweet Riley-bean. Daddy and I love you so very much!

Six Years {Riley}

Our Riley-bean is six years old today.

Six years old, 48 inches tall, 45.4 pounds heavy, and still as wonky as ever.

We love you, Riley Scott!

School Update

The boys’ second week of school went much better than their first. I cannot tell y’all how happy I am to say that.

Luckily, we found ourselves in line in front of Dana almost the whole week (which may or may not have been arranged), and all four kids had such fun hanging out of their windows and talking to each other. Then Riley and Claire walked in together and Colin and Rory went into their building one right after another. Success!

Rory also brought home his first school project last week, the same one that Riley did at the beginning of his PK3 year. So very sweet; I teared up a bit when I saw it. I think I was just so relieved that he participated; the sight of his little red handprint was too much. Oh, and he knows how to spell “red!”

I also got a picture of Rory playing at recess from Ms. Lisa, and he proudly showed off his friendship bracelets that they made in class with their new friends.

 

Riley has still commented that he doesn’t like school and doesn’t want to go, but he is doing well. He brought home a special note from Mrs. Smith on Wednesday, along with a pack of gummy bears. And he did great on his very first test (in religion) on Friday. So proud!

We took the boys to the SCR Back to School Bash the night of August 19. There were inflatables, snacks, snoballs, and a photo booth all set up in the gym. It was crowded and chaotic; the kids had a blast.

 

 

Here’s hoping things continue to get easier as the school year progresses. However, I’m not holding my breath with Riley. First grade homework really bums him out.

I wonder if he’ll long for it once he’s in high school.