Jackie & Rachel Robinson's Birthday Party

Today we went to the birthday party for Jackie (8) and Rachel (1) Robinson.  They decided on Mr. Gatti's (kind of like Chuck-E-Cheese's on steroids, or for those of you from Spokane, Wonderland).  After a pizza, pasta, soup, and salad buffet (which actually approximated those named items to a reasonable degree), there was balloon animals and face painting.  Jackie and Meagan opted for a cats theme (even though they've never seen it).  Really cute if I do say so myself...

Jacob on the other hand, would have none of that.  He wanted to be Link from the Legend of Zelda.  Neither of the two girls doing the facepainting knew who that was so he drew them a picture, which they then painted on his face.  Ben Robinson liked it so much that they did the same for him.  Meagan, of course, would have none of this taking picture business unless she could be in it...

After face painting, came presents (we gave them a "matching" pair of La La Loopsie's - a big Cowgirl one for Jackie and a small, soft, pirate one complete with parrot, "Arrrrrr" - for Rachel - so that they could play together and bond).  Cake next, then came the anxiously awaited game card distribution ($15 for each kid to play games and such).  They have the standard fare (ticket games, Skee ball, etc...) plus some good current non-cheesy games for more grown up tastes (Guitar Hero, Star Wars, Racing Games, Beachhead, etc...).  They even had a virtual reality roller coaster.  But the hit of the event was indoor go karts.  EVERYBODY liked those.  Here's Meagan, having fun.  Her favorite was spinning in place.

I managed to not get a good (clear) still of Jacob.  What I did get was video.  He's the one in the "red-seated" go kart.  Ben Robinson, his friend, is the one in the "black-seated" go kart.

3 hours later, the kids were sated, and we left.  A good time was had by all.  Gearing up tomorrow for Jackie's Baptism where I will witness and be in the confirmation circle.  An even better time if you ask me...

- Josh

A Watery Adventure

Last week, our family, accompanied by some of our closest friends - the Robinson's, went forth once again to do battle with our arch-enemy, the Sun.  A hot day, we decided that since we have a pool in our apartment complex, it would be a good idea to go.  We gathered up the kiddos and went for some cool, wet fun.  The last time Sarah and the Kids went, and despite what I am told were copious amounts of sunscreen used, Sarah got as cooked as she likes her steaks...thoroughly charred.   She was peeling for a week, afterward.  This time around, I did the sunscreen and, may I say, I apparently have the magic touch - no one got burnt after 2 hours and everyone seemed to have a great time even with other people around - public pool and all...

 

As skittish as Jacob was last year, this year, the boy has NO FEAR of the water anymore.  While not yet a champion swimmer, he has no hesitation about getting in the water and trying to do what we tell him as we teach him to swim.  Meagan is doing better, but lacks her brother's confidence (or naivete perhaps).  She still needs some encouragement - which we are more than happy to provide.  They'll both get there.  

Meagan really enjoys spending time with her friend Jackie.  They're quite a pair.  Both willful and too smart for their own good...

Jacob and Ben on the other hand can find any trouble, anywhere, and jump in with both feet.  We have to keep on our toes around them because they are both just so dang clever. 

We've been so blessed to find such good friends here in Lubbock, TX.  While we miss all those we've had to leave behind, we are grateful that we've gotten to know all of them and especially here, the Robinson's.  We're so grateful that God put them in our path to share some time with.  They make us better people and we LOVE spending time with them as often as we can.

- Josh