Jedi Academy Birthday

I can hardly believe that Jaxon is 6 years old now.  It seems like with each year he just gets kinder and funnier and smarter,  so I suppose losing my little boy has a bit of a silver lining.  But you better believe I miss this little guy.

He wanted to have a Star Wars party this year, and I was happy to oblige.  There are countless ideas on the internet for just such a party.  It went a little something like this.

The boys arrived and were given their Jedi checklists that had everything they needed to accomplish to become a Jedi Knight on them.  First, though, they fueled up with mini light sabers (pretzel sticks) and Yoda Soda (lime sherbet and sprite). 

The first task was Blaster Training.  The boys loved this one.  We had pictures of “bad guys” on the side of the house, and they each got to take turns shooting them with a Nerf Gun.  Then they had to use the force, and close their eyes while trying to shoot them.  Kind of a different twist on pin the tail.  It was great.

The next task was Jedi Balancing Training.  The boys had to go across the balance beam once, and then go back the other way while carrying an egg on a spoon.  Can you believe that not one of the eight boys dropped it?  I was amazed.

Next came Jedi Teamwork Training.  This was my favorite.  The grass became lava, and the boys had to work their way across the backyard while only stepping on pieces of cardboard.  It was cute seeing them try and figure out how to work together to get everyone across.  I loved it.

Here' they are just starting out                                                             Halfway done                                                                                                                   All the boys had to be touching the fence.  They took this so seriously.

Our 4th task was Jedi Obstacle Course Training.  I put Jake in charge of this one and he did great.  Lots of climbing through boxes (good thing we still have so many from the move) and stuff like that.

Next up was Jedi Level 1 Light saber Training and Jedi Level 2 Light saber Training.  We used a black light in the garage, and I found these awesome light up “light sabers” from the dollar tree that the kids used to keep a balloon up  (level 1) and then pop bubbles without hitting anyone else (level 2). 

After they had checked off everything on the list we came inside and I awarded each kid with this

Then we had cake and ice cream.  Jaxon was very specific on the kind of cake he wanted.  He told me NO fondant.  I just think it’s funny that he knows so much about cakes, that he call tell me he wants just buttercream frosting. :)  The cake was HARD to make, but the past couple of years I’ve sort of slacked off on his cakes, so I wanted this one to be just what he wanted.  I think it turned out pretty cute in the end.

5 out of the 7 guests had Bronco shirts on.  Can you tell I live in Boise now?                                  The kid next to Jaxon is his new best friend.  His name is Ian, and they play every day at recess.  It’s so fun to see my little guy making friends at school.

Last, but not least, was present time.  When the party was over I asked Jaxon what his favorite part was, seeming as I had just thrown an awesome party, and he said it was the presents.  Figures.

All this happened on Saturday, but his real birthday was Monday so he got an extra celebration.  He got to take cupcakes to school, we went bowling, out to dinner, and then opened more presents that night.  Papa Joe even got him a real bow and arrow.

Overall, I think his 6th birthday was a good one. 

This kid is one of the best.  Almost every day he helps me become better.  He has such charity for every person in his life, and just only wants to do good.  He’s smart, so funny, and a pleasure to be around.  He always asks in his prayers to help his mom and dad know how much Jesus loves them.  I mean, come on!  He’s helpful, he is a wonderful big brother, even when Sage is beating up on him.  He loves to draw lately, and loves all things science.  He is having a great time in Kindergarten, and is learning to read.  He brings so much joy into my life, and I am so grateful that I was trusted to care for this precious child of God. 

I love you Jaxon.