Happy 4th Birthday to Luke!

Monday was Luke's birthday and we had a blast making this kid feel extra loved and special all day long. We started the day off with making a breakfast he requested: Waffles AND pancakes with hot chocolate and sprinkles. Quite delicious. Next, he headed to preschool where he received a "birthday crown" that he is still wearing today. He chose Chick-Fil-A for lunch and after naps was his fishing party. It seemed like that party would n-e-v-e-r come to one little boy, but the time finally arrived when he heard that doorbell ring. Oh my! So much excitement!

Cheers.

Luke felt the love from all of the family and friends that called and sent cards/packages to let him know that he is loved.

He literally hugged this package from his buddy.

(Don't mind Emma photo bombing this tender moment)

Another buddy sent him his first lego set-he loved it and stayed focused most of the time. Is he really old enough to be getting into this???

Always a jokester.

There were lots of preparations for the party. Picking out goldfish,

decorating the birthday sign,

and painting the "fishing bobbers" Luke helped me with all of it.

Kicked the party off with "Fish On." The kids tried to eat the gummy worm off of the string without (ideally) using their hands. Hilarious. We played this until I ran out of gummy worms.

Sometimes the worm fought back.

Next up was the traditional fishing game.

Each kid reeled in a bubble gun and put it to immediate use.

The last game we tossed ping pong balls to catch a real goldfish. 

Bryan created Luke's rainbow trout birthday cake.

Party favors.

 First words out of his mouth when he unwrapped his bow and arrows, "Yes! Dad, now I can go hunting with you!"

Happy Birthday Luke!

We love you.

Marshall Gold Discovery State Park

On Saturday we visited Marshall Gold Discovery State Park. The museum was small, but well done. I liked learning a few more facts about the gold rush. On the second Saturday of each month, docents are dressed in period clothes and work in various stores/stations in the old town area of the park. We specifically went on this Saturday for that reason. Well, due to unusually hot weather, (the high was 104 that day) the docents were not out and about. Boo-hoo. We shouldn't have been out either. Can you say scorcher?!? 

Replica of Sutter's Mill.

Breaking for a picnic.

 They had a dress up station that was the biggest hit of the trip.

Luke was all business with that gun in his possession.

I would love to go back when it's 70 degrees and there's a little more to do. Timing is everything-we were off this go around. :)

Preschool

Today was Luke's first day of Preschool. He woke up even earlier than normal because he was so excited. The drop off went really well. Luke has since told me quite a bit about what happened on his first day. Luke asking me when he could go back was the biggest indicator that he liked it. Fingers crossed that it continues to go well and he meets some nice buddies.

True to form, I was running a little behind, so that is water running down his nose and water spots on his shirt from doing his hair .5 seconds before snapping the picture. 

He is such a handsome devil.

Love the smiles that he gave me-I feel like he's already humoring me with school pictures.

Bryan made him an awesome 'first day of school' breakfast.

 Impressed? So was Luke!

A litte sucking up never hurt anything, right??? :)

Grandma and Grandpa Nielson

Bryan's parents came for a visit over the holiday weekend. It was fun to have them here. The kids loved having extra attention and rough housing with grandpa. They spoiled us and came with literally boxes of peaches, apples, cantaloupes, tomatoes, zucchini…so delicious (and they didn't get busted at the California border)!!! One night, Steve made peach cobbler and it was extremely tasty. The next night, they followed it up with white chocolate chip lemon cookies. I was getting quite use to them being around!

The highlights of our weekend included target practice with nerf guns, backyard baseball, rat trap sandwiches, The California Railroad Museum, a train ride and catching a glimpse of Old Sacramento. We ran out of time in Old Sacramento, but would love to return soon and see all that it has to offer.

Photo credit: Luke

Emma did really well for the first half of the train ride, but once she was informed that she could not place her hands outside the window, it was a deal breaker. I broke my phone out. Everyone was happy.

This little angel was experiencing some "hanger" after the train ride. Grandma and Grandpa treated us to lunch and cured Emma of her "hanger." I'm guessing her genetic predisposition came from Emma's maternal side of the family. :)

They have about 10 'Thomas the Train' and 'Chuggington' train tables.

Old Sacramento

It was slightly chaotic on the holiday.

Emma worked her charm to the best of her abilities to try to convince them to stay longer. We'll keep our fingers crossed for another visit that's not too far down the road.