Happy Birthday to Zack!

Zack celebrated his 8th birthday on Wednesday!  Happy Birthday to our oldest boy!

We are so proud of him and all he has done this past year, what a neat guy.  He did an amazing job transitioning into a new place and starting at a new school.  He continues to be a bright, healthy, active boy who loves to get outside and play.  He hasn't found a sport yet that he doesn't enjoy.  He's revealed a new side to me this year in the way he handles himself when making new friends and taking on new challenges.  He's not the same shy little guy we sent off to kindergarten three short years ago.  His confidence and independence are really growing, right along with his legs.  I can't believe how tall he is!  51.5 inches at his check-up this week.  God is good, we love you Zack!

Zack asked to open one gift in the morning and I'm 99% sure he knew this one was a DS game that he wanted. He loves playing DS.

He makes the best faces.

Mommy, take my picture too, said Andy.

Zack decided to go bowling with friends to celebrate his day.

Max, Ethan and Zack

Mommy, take my picture too, said Andy.

The whole bowling crew including moms Jessica and Jill.

Notice Andy did NOT want his picture taken this time.

Cousin Amy, this one is for you.  I got Zack this movie per your recommendation.

Zack with his Pokemon balloon, Pokemon shirt and Pokemon tablecloth (and plates and cups you can't see).  He enjoys playing the Pokemon card game and the DS games. Mommy can keep up with him in the card game, it is a pretty neat game, lots of strategy.

Zack celebrated with a friend birthday party on July 23.  We did a joint party with two of his friends from school, Ethan and Max, since they all have summer birthdays.  We hosted at our house to use our big side yard.  We went in together and bought an inflatable water slide.  The kids cannot get enough of this thing.  Up and down, up and down, up and down they go.  23 kids, lots of water guns and water balloons, 3 kiddie pools, one water slide, one slip 'n slide, one Buzz Lightyear sprinkler = lots of fun. 

There goes Zack. 

Up they go

George ready to slide

Andy loved it.

I did it.  Hi Mommy!

Hanging out in the pool

Slip 'n slide running.  Look how far back they started.

Water balloon toss

We did a gift exchange where each guest brought a wrapped gift, $15 limit.  Then each birthday boy/guest picked a gift, in the order of how they did in the water balloon toss, and opened it all at once.   

The birthday boys had first pick from the gift pile.  They were all happy with their new treasures.  Notice the gun theme.  Gotta' love 8 year old boys.

Ethan, Zack and Max

And don't forget the 95+ degree heat.  The adult hangout with a fan going in the background.

Impromptu neighborhood pool party the next day.  Gotta' beat the heat somehow.