Cory Turns Nine and Other Happenings

Snow Days! Right at the beginning of the year, we got a few inches of VERY icy snow. Not great for snowballs or snow angels, but the kids had a good time. At least, the big three did. A few minutes in the cold had Mason crying frozen tears (not really--it wasn't THAT cold) and Ivy saying she wanted to go inside. Fine by me! I got some pictures,

and then I got to make hot chocolate for these darlings and watch the others play, from the warmth of the kitchen. What a deal.

 Speaking of darlings, how sweet is this little Ivy baby? She's the sprinkles on our donut.

(kitchen elf!)

For exactly three weeks out of the year, my kids are perfectly spaced. This year, it's two, four, six, eight, ten. And then, Cory turned NINE!

Last day as an eight:

This year, Cory took his dad, his big brother, and several of his friends to see the new Star Wars movie. But first, everyone came over for apple pie. Before the guests arrived, the kids made his birthday banner.

He had a great time at the movies, and we put another birthday in the books.

(first day as a nine!)

Cory, you are a quirky, smart, hilarious, responsible, kind-hearted guy. We love watching you become everything Jesus made you to be. You keep us laughing with your wit and dry humor, and you bring something special to our family. We love you, buddy!

 Cory has a collection that I think I've mentioned before. Inspired by stories of the young Teddy Rosevelt, Cory collects any natural artifacts that strike his fancy (rocks, pelts, bones, a turkey beard, etc). Unfortunately, one of his rabbit skins was ruined in the flood we had in December. Nona came to the rescue by giving him a huge and very smelly coyote skin for his birthday.

In non-birthday news, repairs on the house (inside and outside) continue. The kids got to help with the digging and gravel, which was fun.

 Mason got this tire swing for his birthday, and it, plus the rope swing in the front yard, are his happy places.

Ivy is in her happy place if she can choose her outfit for the day, especially the shoes. She loves shoes.

 And I love them!

Cory Turns Eight!

Cory is a funny guy. Today, for example (Easter Sunday), he said he didn't want to eat outside on the porch because "the moisture in the air is rather unpleasant." He's an old soul, this guy. He loved Teddy Rosevelt, and has followed Teddy's example in starting "a collection." When Teddy--called Teedie as a child--was young, he collected animals. Dead ones. Taxidermied animals, skulls, pelts, etc. Cory has his own collection that consists of a turkey beard (SO GROSS), some birds' nests, cicada shells, etc.

(last day as a seven!)

All of this does relate to his birthday.

He wanted his birthday theme to be "mammals of the North American Plains." So, of course, we made it happen. For one thing, his gifts from us: a fire starting kit, a whet stone to sharpen his pocket knife, a cow skin rug, and a rabbit pelt. Those last two were to add to his collection. He adored them, and he sometimes carries the rabbit pelt in his backpack.

(making his birthday banner)

So how to carry out that theme? My aunt Samantha is an artist, author, illustrator, and art teacher (see her website here). She was in town and stayed and extra day to lead an art class for Cory and his friends. They painted buffaloes, and it was amazing. (Thank you Aunt Sam!)

He also requested pizza bites and brownies and ice cream. And his grandparents gave him a motorized go-cart thing. And his Nona gave him some stuffed plains animals, which he loved. All in all, it couldn't have been a better birthday for our history-buff naturalist.

Cory D, we love you. You are one cool kid. You're smart, talented, thoughtful, clever, hilarious, and kind. You take good care of your sisters and brothers, always looking out for them. You always want to be on God's team, and you say that worshipping Him is the most important thing. We are proud of you! Happy eighth birthday!

Cory's Seventh Birthday

Can you believe this handsome guy is seven? Even though he's been seven for...um...two months, it's still taking some getting used to.

Our traditional last-day-as-a-certain-age photos. Look at those dreamy eyes!

(typical Cory smirk!)

So the question, as January 15th, 2015 rolled around, was this: how can we make Cory's seventh birthday awesome and do it with a three-week-old baby? The answer: a trip to Tellus Museum with his family, best buddy, and cousins! He even asked for donuts instead of a cake. Easy-peasy!

(We weren't supposed to bring food into the cafeteria. We did it anyway. And, um, fire. Oops.)

(After a while, baby girl, Mason and I headed to the car for naps while the kids kept playing.)

 That night, we made our birthday banner and took some pictures. A great day was had by all!

Cory got a pocket knife for his birthday this year. He's been waiting for that since Iain got his when he turned seven. He was delighted. Overjoyed. Thrilled. Etc.

Cory, you're an awesome kid. You're smart, sensitive, determined, and hilarious. You love history and stories, legos and playing in the woods. You're learning to take things apart and (hopefully!) put them back together. You're a good friend and a good big brother. You're sweet and loving and still love to snuggle. We love you to pieces, Cory D! Happy birthday!

Cory Turns Six

Yes, this happened in January. Oh well.

This guy. This hilarious, feisty, opinionated, snuggly, loving guy. He turned six, and I was not okay with that, but he did it anyway.

The obligatory last day as a five pictures. He was hamming it up big time.

That hat? It used to be Jeremy's brother Phil's. Cory loves it. Most nights, he sleeps with it on. 

For his birthday, Cory wanted to make tents. We had the Whatleys over for dinner (his favorite high-starch meal of mashed potatoes, chicken cracker pie over rice, and cornbread), and then all the big kids made tents in the garage. It was possibly the easiest birthday party ever. And they have slept in the tents in the living room or on their bedroom floor on several occasions. 

And he's six! (Can I just say that I think it's adorable that he wanted to wear his Four shirt on his sixth birthday? Love this guy. And what a cutie!)

Making the birthday banner:

More hamming it up.

(typical Cory face)

Birthday dinner

Making tents!

 The finished products.

Cory wanted a target cake with an arrow. Your wish is my command, buddy.

Cory, this year we have seen so much growth in you. You've learned self-control, grown in compassion, and become more like Jesus. We are so proud of you and you add so much joy, humor, perspective, and fun to this family. You're wise beyond your years, and you're a deep thinker and and old soul. Happy birthday Cory!