Cole's 8th Birthday Extravaganza!

As usual, Cole had a week long birthday celebration!

Decorating Cupcakes - thanks to my interest in Food Network's Cupcake Wars (and the kids occasionally watching it as well), Cole decided to have cupcakes for his family party, instead of the usual cake.  We got several cupcake cookbooks from the library, and found a recipe that wasn't too tricky, but still fun and different from regular cupcakes.  Cole loved making something different and it was fun to work on them together.

Making a hole in the center for the filling - a very easy way to do it!

Using a pastry bag to insert the marshmallow creme filling

Adding the turquoise (to represent water) icing

Cole with the finished cupcakes.  He decided to keep the decoration simple and use gold liners and turquoise icing (his party was a Pirates of the Caribbean theme).

Family Party- Cole celebrated his birthday with Grandma Cathy, and Grandpa Bob and Nana who flew in from Florida.  He got lots of gifts that he was really excited about, and true to form, built a new Lego that day.  Cole had quite the haul, as he had been sent many presents as well.

I honestly can't tell / remember, but I'd be willing to bet $100 it was a Lego!

Kara decided on this Webkinz all by herself.  It was the first time that she picked out a gift on her own, with no input from us.  We went to Hallmark to pick out a card, she saw the display, and decided to give him that instead of what she had originally planned on.

Post-party, trying out his new Fire Flyz that were awesome!

Trying out his Electronic Snap Circuit set that he thought was pretty cool.

Birthday - Cole received all his presents at his party, with the exception of the one from Mark and I.  Usually they receive something small if they are having a friend party (see below).  However, with the Lego mix-up at Christmas, we had an extra (huge) Lego set that we couldn't return.  We were afraid to hold onto it for too long in case he stopped liking Star Wars.  So, needless to say, Cole was very excited about his gift! 

Cole decided to have this year's party at a bowling alley.  We were so happy he didn't want to go back to Chuck E. Cheese!  It was a very easy party, in that all we had to do was show up at the appropriate time with a cake - they did everything else.  We had a problem with several kids not rsvp'ing, (which I guess was a problem with their inconsiderate parents, not the kids) so we ended up with an extra lane.  We did put it to good use however, and turned it into the adult competition lane.  Since Mark doesn't read the blog, I can say with certainty that I won!  : )  Cole has a very nice group of friends and they were a lot of fun to hang around with.

Danny, Kara, Cole, Ethan, Cardell, Kyu

Lego's, Pokemon, and weapons - oh my!

Action shot (we didn't have many because the kids were so fast!)

Love how intently Cole and Ethan were looking at the score board.

A football themed cake (appropriate for a bowling alley, no?)

Cole, you are a wonderful boy and we are so blessed to have you for our son!  You are very bright, with a great sense of humor.  You are becoming more adventurous, and are willing to try new things that you previously would have shied away from.  You have become quite a reader, and astound us with your memory.  You are a great friend and are a role model to others.  We love you to the moon and back!