Happy Birthday Erick!

It's official - Erick's SIX! It's really something when your oldest ages, because somehow I age with him. And it's so much fun to remember the day I became a mother. It's been an amazing 6 years, and this little boy has filled our days with more joy and laughter than I could have imagined when we were browsing the baby name books. He's sweet, considerate and loving. He's a video game wiz, and loves teaching his little sisters the finer points to the reading and math he's learned this year in kindergarten. He's an amazing big brother and I'm so grateful he's our oldest. He loves church, remembers his prayers and tries his best to be obedient. He's a great example for his younger siblings and makes my life easier in so many ways as the mimic his good behaviors. I love you, Erick!

For the big day, we decided to get out and do something fun. Erick and Izzie's friend, Michael, joined us for a day at the Nascar raceway for pizza, cupcakes and lots of fun! The first thing they tried was the bumperboat ride. Erick was just tall enough to drive, so it pitted the men in my life against each other. I thought it would be a blowout victory for dad, of course, but it was Erick who figured out the watergun first!

But then it was dad's turn to get even!

Audrey was pretty upset she was too small for many of the rides, so we found something for her while the older kids played lasertag upstairs. Seems to have worked. :-)

And finally, a ride all the kids could enjoy! These little cars were deceptively thrilling. Even though they were kind of slow on the straight track, they whipped around the corners with speed that would make tilt-a-whirls everywhere proud! I thought Audrey would be terrified, and braced myself for the worst. Apparently, my fears were unfounded.

Hooray! We did this one twice!

Erick had originally wanted to do chuck-e-cheese, but I've had about enough of the place and wanted to try something new. As a compromise the kids played a few arcade games before we left, and Erick traded in his tickets for something like three gummy candies and thought it was a great deal. I paid 5 cents for the same candy for Izzie, so I'm not convinced. But it was fun. :-)

Justin picked up a little special number from the Nestle store at work and told Erick he had to finish the entire bar before retiring to bed on his birthday. I think Erick was genuinely terrified, and kept saying "But dad, that's not healthy!" I love kids. :-) Today the bar is still unopened on the counter, and if we eat it all ourselves before the end of the internship I'll be ashamed. We really need a ward activity or something to help us out, I think. Notice the weight on the bar - 9 lbs and change! Amazing. At least three people at the speedway asked him if it was real, and who could blame them!