Eight is Great!

I can't believe Jaden is eight already.  Where does the time go?  Sometime I feel like the days take forever to get through, but the years are gone in a wink.

Jaden had a tough time this year deciding what he wanted to do for a birthday party. What he REALLY wanted to do was invite all of his friends to Chuck E Cheese.  When he realized that he would only be allowed to bring a couple friends, he decided not to do that.

Then he considered going to the movie theater for his party.  Then he had an even better idea of using the theater at his Grandma and Grandpa's house.  But again, once he learned he would have to limit the number of friends he could invite, he decided against that option too.

The only way he could invite as many friends as he wanted, was to have it at home.  Since he's all into basketball and sports, he had a sports party.  And he invited everyone that he wanted to.  19 friends.  All boys. (Except for one brave girl... Tiara)

And since we were planning a trip to California during his real birthday, he didn't mind celebrating a whole week earlier. :)

Of course, all the boys in the neighborhood know, that if you come to the Socci house, you're GOING to play with lightsabers.  And yes, there are enough to go around.

Once everyone arrived, we started the games.  Charles came up with Marshmallow Golf using those big ole' campfire marshmallows.  The object was to see who could drive theirs the farthest.  Winners received a medal. (But everyone got one by the end.)

Next was a basketball shooting contest.

Then pin the ball on the basket.

Then some more dueling while Charles got the pinata set up.

Pinata time!

Brynnlee got a medal for touching grass.

Then we did cake and presents.

I'm considering saying, "no gifts, please" for parties in the future.  The kids are all happy and having fun, and then it's time to open presents, and everyone gets all sad and depressed.  Just look at all the faces!

Then it was just play around till the parents came, or we kicked 'em out.  It was a fun party.  Jaden really enjoyed it but... I think we learned our lesson.  We'll be limiting the number of kids invited in the future.  Inside their goody bags, we gave all the kids coach whistles.  We could hear them blowing them all around the neighborhood.  It wasn't long before the hate-texts started coming. Haha!

After that we had a little family party, opened more presents, and ate Subway for dinner (Jaden's choice.)

A little about Jaden: April 21, 2012

* Weight: _______

* Height: _______

* Jaden loves everything basketball, and everything Lego.

* He loves The Book of Mormon.  He reads it almost everyday, and he knows a lot of the stories really well.  He has already corrected his Primary teacher.

* He is waiting to be baptized in August.  We had let him know that getting baptized was up to him.  We would never force it.  He told us that he is ready and excited.  In August, Alli will be back from her mission, and almost every member of his extended family will be out here. 

* He is a good student, particularly in math.

* He is considerate of others.  When it was his turn to bring a birthday treat to school he wanted to bring Twinkies.  But then he remembered that there is one kid in his class who never gets to eat the birthday treats because of a wheat allergy.  Jaden remembered seeing the kid eat Skittles so he knew that would be okay.  He chose to bring Skittles.  He also told me when his class asked him WHY he brought Skittles, he didn't want to embarrass the other kid, so he said, "Because I like them."

* He is a great big brother.  Any kid would be lucky to have Jaden to look up to. He is thoughtful, loving, kind and courageous.  He sticks up for the kids that need help, he watches over his brothers when they play outside with friends and he's always welcoming to any of the new kids on the block.

* He's an early riser.  He's usually the first one up by at least an hour or two.  When I asked him why he gets up so early, he says it's because he's at school all day, and he doesn't have much time to watch TV.  Guess he's a time manager as well!

* He is sensitive. His feelings are tender, so watch out.

* He loves his Grandparents.  He'll just pick up the phone without even asking and call his Grandma, just to chat.  Of course I don't mind.  And whenever we leave California, he lets out a good 30 minute sob.  I love this about him.

* He is my helper. I always find myself thinking, "Everyone needs a Jaden."  I can't even count the number of times where I have needed an extra hand, or 2 or 20, and Jaden is right there to pick up my slack.  He is an angel, and he doesn't mind doing it either.  And even if he does, he rarely complains.  I couldn't be more proud of the young man he is growing up to be.

 * He is a nurturer.  I can tell by the way he treats others, especially Brynnlee, that he will be a great Daddy.  He loves to get down on the floor and play with her, or grab her a snack, or feed her a bottle, or pick her up when she's upset.  And whenever she learns a new thing or says a new word, he's just as proud as a mommy.

We love you, Jaden!  Happy Birthday, boy!  :)