Cole's 8th Birthday

It kinda felt like we celebrated Cole's birthday for over a week. That's because the celebrations started during the last week of school.  Cole's birthday is May 29th; school is already out for summer by then and his half birthday is during Christmas break, so we just celebrated a week early.

That day also happened to be the school cook out, so we got to eat lunch together outside, with Cole wearing his birthday crown. He was pretty pleased about it.

Not pleased enough to hang out with me, though. As soon as he was done with lunch he proclaimed "I'm gonna go play with my friends now", and he did just that. Even mom can't compete with recess.

I brought Sam's Club chocolate chip cookies for snack that day and his class sang to him. He loved the attention and it was fun to see his class one more time. (I spent a lot of time in there this school year!)

Cole's actual birthday was on Memorial Day this year, hence the patriotic presents.

He chose birthday pancakes over Mary Lou doughnuts. (The boy ain't right...) ((Just kidding. This was way easier. But still, pancakes over doughnuts?!)

We let him open presents throughout the day, but I only got a picture of this one - a new set of scriptures from Grandpa ElRay and Grandma Susie! (Doesn't he look so excited?)

We went to the Harrington's annual Memorial Day barbecue that night and I provided birthday cupcakes. Cole is still a chocolate fiend.

I did some with coconut chips, too, because coconut and chocolate is delicious.

The Harringtons have a pony - isn't that crazy? And cool. It took her a while, but Tess finally got brave enough to ride it.

We ate and chatted, and after much asking and whining we finally sang happy birthday to Cole.

The evening ended with a rather large bonfire, which all of the kids loved.

Hanging out with our Townie friends is always a good time!

We decided to have Cole's party the following weekend since more people would probably be able to make it.

He requested a very, very chocolate cake.

He got it. (It's not the most even of cakes, but that's because I was kinda rushing to get it put together the night before. So. Much. Baseball. This year.)

Cole had 4 buddies come to his party: Ethan Harrington, Liam, Noah, and Karsen. We played games like "Don't Eat Pete".

And "Pin the fries on Colie's mouth". (Cole LOVES french fries.)

And "hot and cold".

We also had pizza and soda for dinner - another of Cole's favorites.

He was a pretty happy kid!

As a finale we shot off paper rockets with the air compressor. Those little boys were pretty impressed!

As you can see, Cole was more impressed with his fidget spinner.

Cole is such an awesome kid. He gets overshadowed a lot by his older bothers and princess little sister. But he's coming into his own and starting to make his own way. He doesn't take guff from anyone. He still has crazy logic, but he's also still crazy smart. This kid is going places. He's finally starting to enjoy reading novels at bedtime instead of fact books (hallelujah!), and he can be pretty well behaved when he wants to. (WHEN HE WANTS TO. Otherwise, look out.) He loves going out to eat, swimming, playing on computer, and wearing jammies all day, any chance he can get! He's still a bit daring as far as self-preservation goes, and I am often amazed that he has reached the ripe old age of 8. If raising 4 kids has taught me anything, it's that guardian angels exist and work overtime trying to keep my accident-prone/oblivious-to-danger children alive.

I sure love my Coler Bear and am so glad he is in our family!