The Big 0-5

Two weeks ago (yes, it has been a while since I've updated) we celebrated Taye's birthday. We decided to have the party a week early, since Buppa and Valerie were visiting, and we wanted them to be able to join the fun. They came the night before, and not only were they fun to hang out with, but they were very helpful in the party preparations.

The kids kept Buppa busy, so he wouldn't be in the way while the rest of the grownups cleaned and got ready.

Taye decided long ago that he wanted a Mario party, so naturally we had to warp to the mushroom kingdom for the festivities.

We couldn't find any Mario piñatas, so we had to improvise. The store had a blank 'design your own piñata' which we bought, and with careful, detailed instruction from Taye, Daddy designed this piñata. He did an awesome job:

I thought the cake over for a long time, trying to figure out how to do it. After the Mack cake disaster, I wasn't even going to attempt to draw Mario with frosting! I finally decided to cheat, and make a Mario cake topper, then just do the background design in frosting. He loved it, so mission accomplished.

Somehow I didn't get a lot of pictures of the actual party. I guess we were too busy having fun. We set up a huge taco bar for lunch, with lots of different foods to choose from, we ate the cake, smashed the piñata, played outside in the last of the snow. All in all, a great time. Mya wasn't impressed, but the rest of us had a great time.

I can't believe I have a 5 year old. Happy Birthday Taye!

SURPRISE!!!!!!!!

Ever since seeing it at the store around Christmas, Taye has been talking about wanting a black Spiderman toy. When asked what he wanted for his birthday, he consistently told us that was what he wanted, and even made lists that said "black Spiderman toy." Darius wanted to get it for him, so the other day we all took a trip to Target, and Darius and I snuck off to the toy aisle. We got the toy, hid it in the car, and talked a lot about it being a surprise.

The next morning when they got up, Taye told me, "Mama, in the middle of the night, Darius told me he got me the black Spiderman toy, but I think he was wrong."

Darius jumped up from his seat and defended his honor, "No, Taye, I'm not wrong! I did get you the black Spiderman toy, it's still in the car! And I got red wrapping paper, but I didn't wrap it yet."

Surprise!

Taye told us he needed to see it, just to know if Darius was right or not. The surprise was ruined anyway, so I told Darius he could give it to Taye. I figured he would open it right away, but instead he asked for a box so that when it was wrapped it would look like a box. When I left for my appointment, he and Darius were busy wrapping it together.

And the award goes to...

Luis and I were talking the other day, and we feel pretty sure that Mya wins the 'most messy' award. Maybe we just got used to the very slightly less messy preschool age group, and forgot about the early toddler stage, but I'm not really sure that's the case. Here is some photographic evidence (from the last 3 days).

Super Duper Super Heroes

There is no shortage of super heroes around here. If you thought The Incredibles were a super family, you haven't met us.


Now we just need a costume for Frog - Underdog maybe?

Taye's Genius Invention

Taye has come up with the new fashion trend of the year. He calls it the belly button hole. Not only is it super cute, but it makes tickling (which, of course, is what belly buttons are for) much easier.

Winky