Finishing off February

Thursday night was the Cub Scout Blue & Gold banquet. Each boy was supposed to bring a cake he decorated with his dad. I thought Collin's turned out really cute. I helped by finding the idea on the internet, buying all the stuff, and making the frosting.

Friday night Mary and I went to see "Mary Poppins" (Broadway Across America).... it was so much fun, and the first time Mary had seen a production that big. A very fun show! Mary was absolutely delighted to see the other Mary actually fly across the theatre at the end. Very cool.
Saturday was Jack's last basketball game. He had been talking about it being the last game, and "the day I'm going to get my trophy, Mom." So, I was a little worried when I saw that they were giving out medals instead this year. (Because it's an Olympic year?) Thankfully, Jack was still thrilled.... even more so about the giant doughnut he received as the post-game snack.
Six-year-olds are pretty easy to please.

Roses

Jay got me these gorgeous roses for Valentine's Day. I am amazed at how long they lasted....I only just threw them away today, and they were still looking pretty good!

Bubble Boy

Jack got a VERY large pack of bubble gum for his birthday. I don't usually let him chew gum, but I finally relented. He was determined to learn how to blow bubbles, and he didn't give up until he had accomplished his goal. I have noticed that he is a pretty determined little boy.

Jack turns 6

Jack decided to have a "Carnival" birthday party this year. It turned out really fun. I borrowed some "real" carnival games and used older siblings/cousins to run them.
Jay did face-painting, which was a huge hit! There were lots of fun prizes, and corn dogs for lunch.
Another one down... and only 2 more to go. We only do birthday parties until the kids turn 8. I think I will be sort of disappointed though when we are done. Jay and I both like throwing parties.

Jay's cousin passed away recently. He was only my age, with a wife and young children, and it was very sudden. It is quite sad.

Jay and I went to the funeral, in another city a few hours away. We spent one night in Bisbee, a nearby town and sort of tourist destination. We stayed at the Copper Queen Hotel, which opened in 1902 and is the oldest continually running hotel in the state.
The funeral was very nice. He was a Gulf War veteran so he was buried with full military honors. I had never seen one before.... it was very impressive and touching.

Guitar and Basketball

Jay is learning to play the guitar I gave him for Christmas, and doing very well. He takes lessons (with Collin) from a neighbor. I love hearing them practice, and I'm kind of jealous that I'm not learning myself. Jay is a natural!
Jack is loving being able to play with Oliver and Nicholas just about every day. I'm dreading the day they go back to Utah.

Jack has been playing basketball with two of his friends. He does quite well, considering he is pretty new at it. It's so fun to watch these little boys take it so seriously. They have a good coach.