Seven

For his family birthday dinner, Jack asked for his favorite meal, spaghetti & meatballs. We had hot fudge sundaes for dessert. He also wanted a party with his friends.

It's fun seeing how the kid birthday parties keep changing. First, it was a drooling baby oohed and aahed over by adoring grandparents and close friends. The menu included crackers and brie and breast-milk for the birthday boy. Then it was toddler-land, where you pray they won't have a tantrum before you can snap at least one cute photo of them in front of the cake you spent way too much time making.

And now, as the boys get older, it's all about games. Jack didn't even want a fancy cake this year. Usually the kids start perusing The Cake Book (a gift from Nana) weeks in advance. This was the first time I haven't spent hours assembling monster trucks or bunny faces out of cake. I sort of missed the challenge--for about five minutes. This year Jack asked for a tall chocolate cake, a piñata, games, and lots of friends. So that's what he got!

Pop the balloon! Not your own!

Daniel pulled out all his family's classic birthday games. This next one involves opening a present with a fork and spoon (but first you have to put on a pile of clothes). Whoever gets through all the wrapping first gets a special treat! 

Check out the video below (and yes, Daniel and I had headaches by the end of the party):

The After-Party: putting together the tin-can robot--a huge hit!

Happy Birthday, J-Roo! We love you and are so proud of you!