Austin's 6th Birthday - September 2009

Trying to learn a lesson from Jackson wild and crazy and out of hand 8th birthday party, we decided to keep Austin's party small and have it somewhere OTHER than our house! We only invited a few boys this time and we had it at our club's pool. What a SMART idea that was! The boys played so well together the whole time AND we the lifeguards got to do crowd control! In addition, the club took care of the setup, the food, and the cleanup. All for a price way way lower than even doing it at home! Of course the theme was Star Wars, in true Austin fashion! The boys were great and enjoyed eating pizza, swimming, and having cake!

All of the boys gathered around some yummy pizza!

Austin and his friend Polk

The Star Wars Cake

That's a lot of hot air!

Opening presents at home after the party

First Day of School - August 2009

Well, the beginning of school was a big deal around our house this year! This was finally the year Austin would start big kindergarten! He attended a private kindergarten last year and did very well but it was finally time to go to public school with his brother. Of course, for Jackson the beginning of school meant moving to the grades 3-5 hallway on the complete opposite side of the school. He's way too big and cool now to hang out anywhere near the "little kids" as he calls them. Anyway, they have both settled in nicely and love their teachers. Here are a few pictures from the first day!

Austin

Still a little early for Jackson

Silly Brothers!



Proud Austin



Walking into the class!

It didn't take him long to get right to work!

August 2009

We had a very exciting month in August. The first week of the month Jackson and his good friend John attended a Magic Camp. The campers were able to learn a new trick every day of camp. While parts of the camp seemed a little weird to me (I think magic is more appealing to boys!) they both had the best time and said it was their favorite camp of the whole summer! Here are a few pictures from the last day of camp when the boys got to perform their favorite trick from the week:

Jackson is explaining his trick to the audience

Performing his trick on one of the camp counselors

The very next day after camp ended, we drove down to Orlando for an impromptu Disney trip. We had surprised the boys a few weeks earlier with this trip. Although I wouldn't recommend August as a great time to visit Florida (unless you LOVE heat and humidity), we got a GREAT deal on accomodations and a free dining plan. This was our third Disney trip and Tod and I swear each time we aren't going back any time soon. As it turns out we have been 3 times in 2 1/2 years so the boys don't even believe us anymore! We always have a great time. Anyway, since we've been a few times we didn't take too many pictures Well except for Austin doing the Jedi Training Academy which is his dream come true. Battling against Darth Vader was a huge deal for him. You see, Austin doesn't just like Star Wars, he is obsessed with it. About a year ago, he went through a phase where he wanted everyone to hum the Darth Vader song of doom everytime he entered a room. Needless to say he took his Jedi training very seriously!

Warming up the light saber

In front of an Imperial Walker

Waiting for the training to begin

The big battle

After a successful completion of battle

The boys playing around

Jackson

Jackson doesn't always appreciate Austin's silliness (as you can tell here)