Basketball, smarty pants and Sylas's Birthday

We put Tamsyn and Ander in Basketball. I had NO IDEA how much driving this would require when we signed them up (Take Ander to practice, then drive 20 minutes to drop Tamsyn off at practice, then turn around to pick Ander back up, drop him off at home, then go back to get Tamsyn).  I am still glad we did it despite our crazy busy nights. They are learning a ton, and the games are fun to watch.

And don't they look good?!

Also, I should mention, I have really smart kids. Tamsyn is in the gifted students program, which means that she will be taking 7th grade level English in 6th grade, and because she scored over 97% on her math placement test, she will be taking 8th grade math in 6th grade next year. Ander just got recommended for the program, and if he passes the tests, he will be learning 5th grade material in fourth grade next year. 

In other news, Sylas turned 4 today. I love love LOVE my little monster.

I don't like to decorate cakes, and can't compete with those moms that make flawless themed cakes, so I let the kids decorate their own cakes. Sylas really wanted candy for his birthday, so I bought Skittles, Nerds and Rollos for him to decorate his cake with. (Yeah, it was kinda gross) 

 But the kids loved decorating it! 

Lohn made the requested chicken and fries (YUM)

 And we opened presents!

 Horton Hears a Who, from Tamsyn (FYI, I knitted that poncho. Admire, please.)

Buzz Lightyear Pez dispenser from Gunnar

A stuffed Horton (Thanks Kohl's special!)

 "Look, mom, It's the same Horton as the book!"

Daddy made him blocks. We could have bought Doug and Melissa blocks at half off for $40. Lohn made him twice as many for $18. (Yep, we are still tight wads)

 He loves them. All the kids do. They played with them all evening.

And I gave him the Lorax. This is my all time favorite children's book. Lohn hates it, he thinks there is some sort of Liberal agenda.  I read Horton Hears a Who tonight, and it seemed to me to have quite the Conservative agenda. What I really think, is that Dr. Suess liked to write great stories. And bless him for it.

 And lastly, the great consumption of the cake. 

 Yeah, the Skittles and Nerds made it taste a little funny...

These last 4 years have been interesting with 4 major moves, career changes and new friends. And I am so glad we had Sylas there with us for the ride. So grateful for my baby!