Paper Airplane Party

Rome celebrated his 9th birthday with a super fun paper airplane party. He wasn't sure what he wanted to do, but after some searching on Pinterest this idea really caught his attention. It was such a cute and easy party to put together.

Since Rome was only inviting 4 friends I went ahead and hand drew them all.  They turned out great I think!

Party bags and paper airplane cupcakes.

Everybody spent the beginning of the party designing paper airplanes.  We had 3 competitions to prepare for.  Distance, accuracy and design.  The kids all really got into making planes and came up with some cool ones.

One of Rome's friends was about to win the distance competition when Oz took his last turn.  His plane (which was actually the ONE plane that I made) sailed all the way across the room and totally blew everybody else's away!  It was completely unexpected and I was secretly glad this little guy got a chance to win.

Accuracy competition.  It was trickier than it looks, but seriously a lot of fun.  I think the boys would have just kept going.

After the plane competitions the boys went on a scavenger hunt.  I wrote all the clues on paper airplanes (of course!).  The treasure was all the goodies for their party bags - lots of candy and cool tiny flashlights that attached to their fingers.

Rome and his 5 best buds.  From the left, front-row: cousin Ammon, Rome, Eli (our neighbor), Oz.  Back row: Matthew (best school friend), Evan (Rome's BFF and church buddy).

I did a simple BBQ for dinner, hot dogs and lots of sides.  Seeing as when I usually do a party with a BBQ it's for tons of relatives, this was easy peasy.

Blowing out the candles.  It was a really fun party and Rome was so pleased with everything.  Only 3 more parties to go in the next 3 months! 

First Day of School

Kindergarten

Fourth Grade

Capri was beyond excited for school to start.  She is everything I wished I was growing up.  Responsible, organized, stylish, beautiful, and oh so confident.  

Third Grade

Jeff gave all the kids father's blessings before school today.  The spirit was strong for all, but especially for Rome's.  Jeff said some things that struck me in particular.  Afterwards, Jeff whispered to me "Rome is a very special spirit".   I know he's right.

I managed not to cry when we dropped Sable off at her classroom.  But only because I cried at back to school night a few days ago.  She's tough for me to send away.  In my head, she is still my "Sable baby".  Her hair hasn't grown, and she is the easiest child in the world.  In my head I bounce her on my hip and she smiles at everything. 

In reality, she's 6.  Her hair is long (longer even last night before I cut several inches off).  She gets grumpy and has a lot of opinions.  She has crushes and likes to put up a fight. 

But she still is ready for a snuggle anytime.  She is kind to others and thinks of them often.  She would happily let me bounce her on my hip - if only I wasn't worried I'd break in two. 

Be bold and strong my Sable baby, I'll miss you terribly.

Rome Turns 8

Rome is such a sweet boy.  Like I've always said, ever since the day he was born, "he's just a nice guy".  It's the absolute truth.

He was beyond thrilled to get his new scriptures, a black quad. 

Legos of course!

This set took a LONG time to put together.

Cupcakes decorated by the kids.

About an hour ago. . .

All is safe in Runyan City.

7 Year Old Boy

Rome turned 7 on May 10th and somehow I forgot to blog about it.  Don't take that as a sign that Rome is forgettable, he's not.  

Rome Valentino

Honestly I still can't believe he's 7.  I kept thinking, and saying, we must have counted wrong because he can't be 7.  It just seems so OLD.

Rome is such a wonderful boy.  He is kind and sincere.  He has true empathy and was born responsible.  It's one of his strongest talents.  Since he could hold a conversation he's been asking questions and gathering information on how to become a grown man and father.  He thinks about things like how he'll buy a house, a car, what ring he'll pick out for his future fiance, and what kind of career will provide for his family. 

I decorate the kids rooms while they are sleeping the night before.  This time I hung the card from Gramma and Papa in there too.  They gave Rome a family season pass to Science City.  He was so excited since he's been asking for one for at least a couple years now.

We spent the day all together using Rome's new Science City pass and had great time.  He was smiling ALL day long.

Present time!

 

Make a wish - please don't let it be to grow up any faster than he already is.

After dinner and cake we went to Chuck E Cheese.  I know a lot of people hate Chuck E Cheese, but we honestly love it!  Rome won over a hundred tickets on one game and was so proud of himself. 

Happy Birthday Rome!  We love you so much and feel so lucky to have you in our family!