Zane, Emerson, and Smith: 4th of July and Zane's Birthday Week

We had a LOT going on last week. We had family in town and also around the whole week, we had two birthday parties, Grandma Fran's memorial service, and a ton of other outings. I loved having my great-aunt Marni stay with us the entire week. She is so awesome and fun to be around and it was great having another adult around all week. We'll miss her!

These events are all out of order, but oh well.

First, pictures from Zane's birthday lunch with family, on his actual birthday, the 4th. We had over 20 people come to celebrate our big boy turning 6. He is just the best little dude. Man, he is just so special. We love him so much. I could go on and on about him but mostly I just feel lucky to be his Mommy.

We had a pizza party at Old C's.

Grandma and Grandpa with Emmy Girl

I like how Emmy and Molly are eye-balling the dessert. :)

Opening presents. This was the first year that he got a couple of gift cards as gifts. He was SO excited about it. He also got a bunch of other super thoughtful and awesome gifts!

Here is is with his new guitar and backpack loaded up with gifts.

On the 5th, we went to the Cherry Creek Arts Festival with Marni, Janelle, and Anthony. It was so darn hot and we were all wiped from being out so late the night before for fireworks. But I love going to those kind of things so we had to go and I thought it was fun.

So wiped out!

Art project - Smith was double and triple dipping his paint brush into the paint, glue, and seeds.

He had paint all over himself.

Marni also helped us this week to clean out and work on our backyard. She taught the kids how to weed and they helped her out for a while.

They also found a new app that they all loved and played on all week.

Zane and Emmy playing with his new Mario Brothers Chess game.

Now, these are pictures from the beginning of the week at Zane's birthday party with friends. He decided that he wanted to bowl for his birthday. I thought it was funny since we had only been twice ever, but he was set on it.

Licking his lips for his Lego cake. He decorated it with Legos himself.

I put all of these next ones up because I love that he was just cracking up! It was so cute how joyful he was.

Smith, on the other hand, was feeling horrible. It was the beginning of his Hand Foot and Mouth disease. He had it for several days - a fever, rash, and terrible sores in his mouth. He basically stopped eating and drinking for days and just felt miserable. Poor guy! It ended up that Zane had it too, but we just didn't know it yet.

The birthday table

Bowling with his buddy Zach

Emmy celebrating

We got to see the back of the bowling alley and learn how everything works. It was cool!

One day when the weather was a little cooler, we went to the Denver Zoo. We never get sick of going there. We love it. Smith is really starting to notice a lot more and it makes it more fun all over again.

Dippin Dots with Marni and Aunt Nell

We also squeezed a playdate in during the middle of the week. Our buddies Kai and Addie came over and they all played great together. The spent a bunch of time outside. They had goldfish and smoothies for a snack and were as happy as can be.

Lounging

Oh these two princesses were cute!

Wii with Marni and Smith!

These guys love working at the desk, working on everything they can think of.

One day we went to a park and then McDonalds for lunch.

I LOVE THIS PICTURE during our walk one night

These next pictures are of Zane's actual birthday. That morning, we all went out for donuts for breakfast and then later, after our big lunch, had some down time when we just got to hang out. Zane opened our present. He's been begging for Sculpy, a clay he used in school, and he was happy to get it.

So we made beads for necklaces for the day. Baked them and wore them.

That night, we went to Broomfield Commons for the activities and fireworks. Judi and Bob joined us since they live super close to us now!! :)

Petting Zoo -
Smith was a little cautious at first but then warmed up really quickly