Saturday, April 21, 2012

Noah's 6th Birthday

 The young padowan learners gathered for an afternoon of training, a final test before gaining the title of Jedi Master.

First, a test of mental acuity.  AKA: Memory

Then, an exhibition of physical prowess:

1. Run up the stairs, down the hall and drop your shoes down the laundry shoot.
2. Crawl under the stairs and through the couch tunnel


 3. Army crawl under the parachute.
4. Down the slide.
 5. Use the computer chair to climb onto the couch.
6. Down the couch to the toy bins.
7. Jump off onto the mattress.
8. Run down the hall to the laundry room, find you shoes, put them on.
9. Run around the house and back through the garage to the starting point.

 10. Repeat at least one more time!

The young Jedi's next task was described once all were sitting and attentive.  For about a second.
 Teamwork is an essential skill for Jedi. To demonstrate their abilities they had to perform the Balloon Belly Race.
 Some found this more difficult.
 For the winners, it looked easy.
 Their fourth task was to use the Force in moving the balls from one basket to another. The true master made it look remarkably simple.
 And while most were successful, it was much more challenging for our young Jedi.
 After completing these tasks the padowan learners received their light sabers!


 There was much celebration until a challenge was issued by Darth Vader.  Could the Jedi defeat the Dark Side?


They were eager (oh, so eager!) and courageous and rushed to face the challenge.



 It was not long before Darth Vader was vanquished and our Jedi were victorious!
After working up an appetite it was time for cake! While some questioned how we could eat R2D2 they all agreed it was delicious.

 Singing accompanied the presentation of the victory cake.
 Then there gifts.

 And finally, as a reward for their hard work, a pinata.

 It took a lot of good whacks.


 Everyone got a turn and it still would have held out for more but their were parents waiting to collect their Jedi so we helped it along just a bit.
There were a couple of helpers who made this training successful.  Well, one helper and one cooperative observer:)

We could not have done it without the extra pair of hands. Thank you so much, Carrie!!
 
It was a raving success of a birthday party and Chris and I are already wondering how we will top ourselves.  Maybe it won't be so tough.  Noah told us the best parts were the presents and the pinata!

Happy Birthday, Noah! We love you!

Monday, April 16, 2012

Easter Pics



It was cloudy so that was good.



My camera drives me nuts, which was bad.


The kids were mostly cooperative, which was good.








But it was really windy, which was bad.
And despite having to quit due to rain, we got a few good shots, which was good.

You might wonder about this one, but I will let you in on a little secret on why it is one of my favorites: this is the special "I love you" face that Ian makes just for me!