Rex is 7 (WHAT!?!), or birthday week part 2

Rex had an Amber birthday this year (a birthday that lasts a few days as opposed to the normal 1 day, like most people).  It started on Friday the 11th.  Greg took Rex lunch from the best restaurant I've eaten at in Charlotte, Jake's Good Eats (the best restaurant I've ever in my entire life eaten at is Communal on University in Provo), and took donuts to Rex's class.  Rex loved his lunch but apparently the basketball shaped donuts Greg got were frosting filled and disgusting.  We tried.

Rex got to open a birthday outfit of new clothes from a real store (most of his clothes are from a consignment store) for his party at school.

Saturday was Rex's "party." I still don't believe in parties are they are expensive and stressful.  I just let Rex chose a friend to bring along on an activity.  Unfortunately this year, Rex chose a friend from school who I didn't know, let alone his parents so I had to send a legit invitation, which I just printed from the Internet, but then the mom of the other boy thought it was a real party and I spent too much time packing little lunches for everyone.  When the other boy and his mom met us at the aquarium (I take it back about actual parties being too expensive), she was a little concerned that pregnant me was there alone with 4 kids (four kids, psh, that's nothing.  Greg was home working on my honey-do list) so she stayed and went through the aquarium with us, which was nice because I got to know her a bit and now we can set up play dates with Rex and his "best" friend.  Also turns out that the dad of this boy was raised LDS and is actually officially in our ward.

I mean, really, why do I do stuff like this.  I was up until midnight making these stupid bags.  Really, I wanted to impress Ellis' mom without having to take the kids out to lunch too.

So point: Saturday we went to the aquarium and the kids basically ran through, spent a long time playing on the climbing structure at the end and then as we were leaving, decided they wanted to look at the animals again. Kids.

Sunday was Rex's actual birthday.   He had originally said he wanted a Kidz Bop themed birthday (you know the CD Kidz Bop) just like Greg had a QT-themed party.  I over-rode that idea because I had no idea how to throw a Kidz Bop themed party and went to trust Pinterest and found some free Minecraft printables. So did that instead.  Rex was pleased, enough.  Greg decided that we should have shrimp scampi because Rex really likes shrimp.  Rex requested raw carrots and ranch as well.  Greg's parents also joined us to celebrate all 3 boy birthdays.

Thank you Pinterest for the Minecraft birthday banner.

Creeper cake

Rex and his Creeper cake

Why is it that when kids are old enough to understand "look at the camera and smile" they still can't do it.

Cake, this time with candles.

One last sip from the camelbak before blowing out the candles.

The boys with their matching bikes, helmets, Camelbaks and saddle bags, even matching outfits.  They are taking this a little far, but it's also adorable.

Alice was getting a little sad that all the boys were getting presents and she wasn't, so Grandma Pattie sent her this boobie prize, which she just loves.

And now Rex is 7.

Milestones?

--He eats dinner, or at least claims to eat dinner every night to please me and Greg but he doesn't actually eat anything.
--He eats pancakes nearly every morning for breakfast.
--He is reading at a level Q, which is just above average for 2nd grade (so he's reading over a year ahead of his same-aged peers).  So he goes to a 2nd grade class for reading every Friday.
--He is also in a pull-out group for math and other literacy on Tuesday and Thursdays.
--He loves riding bikes and is actually a pretty skilled rider.  He can handle mild mountain bike trails.
--He is doing well at piano and has moved into his second set of books.  The dad of his piano teacher says Rex has a natural talent.  I don't know if that's true but he likes playing so he practices.
--We've decided to keep him.