Jackson's 4th Birthday

It has been a fun week for Jackson. Grandma and Grandpa Smythe came to visit and the kids have been loving it. We all have. There is nothing like an extra pair of hands. Or even TWO extra pairs. :)
For Jackson's birthday we went to Red Robin for a yummy birthday dinner and the workers even sang Happy Birthday to Jackson. He acted like he couldn't hear them. But I know he was dying to laugh. (Ellie had her first taste of a chocolate malt and she LOVED it). Then Grandma and Grandpa took him to Target to buy him some new Leapster games. When we got home we opened presents and had a very exciting time playing with so many new things. Even Noah got to open a few things. This clock has a serious weight strength. I know from personal experience. Only a couple of special people got to be there for that. :)I made that cake. One of my friends claims that I don't love home made things. I am hoping this will prove her wrong. I just don't love being the one to make them. But what mommy would I have been if I didn't even try? :)

Jackson got some new games, a couple of new cars, a rock and roll guitar, and a new race track for his cars. It couldn't be more "right" for Jackson. He also got some very fun new things at his party. Games, cars, Flo's gas station (his favorite), one of those "grow your own pet" things, puzzles, DVD, what more?!!! Let's just say he had a second dose of Christmas. You're only 4 once right? Some quote that are becoming quite famous around my friends that Jackson has created and used many times while opening his gifts were, "Holy heck!" "You have got to get out of here!"(he said that in a very excited and surprised mood. And to no one. Just to himself. Sheer disbelief I guess at the present he was getting). "Are you kidding me?" They were all just said to himself, just so happy at what he was unwrapping. And NO, I do not say "holy heck." That is his own creation.
Then for today. It was his big birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese. That place has seriously changed since I was little and had my party there. Where are all the freaky robot characters that put on a show? And where did all the balls go? The pizza has sure stepped it up. It's no Pizza Hut, but plenty greasy, making it actually taste edible. The kids all had a great time, (I think) and Jackson loved every moment of it. Unfortunately, Jason was on call again so he had to leave early. We all missed him. :)And of course Nora was there. Did you expect anything less?

So, it was a super duper fun birthday this year. And the BEST part was that I didn't have to do anything for it. Just the party bags and cake. That is so NOT the stressful part. When our little hostess started cutting the cake, my face lit up. I didn't know that was included. Worth every cent. Goodbye mess. Hello clean home. Thanks to all of Jackson's friends that came to celebrate. We loved having you there with us.