Josh Has a New Toy

As you know, Josh had a birthday recently. With birthday money and a little money he earned himself, he bought a new Sector 9 longboard.

 

I was worried about him spending so much money on something he didn't even know if he would enjoy. None of his friends have skateboards or longboards, so I assumed he would ride it for a couple days and go back to riding a bike with his friends.

That has not been the case. Josh absolutely loves riding his longboard. He is getting pretty good at it too!

He is not allowed to ride it to school so it takes it out for a quick ride after he gets home. He rides it to friends' houses. He rides it around the neighborhood while his friends are on their bikes.

 

And he never rides without his helmet! I was surprised it hasn't been an argument but he's adamant about wearing it, thankfully.

I am happy he has another physical activity he enjoys.

2nd Annual Crazy Ice Cream Day!

Did you forget the last Sunday in April is Crazy Ice Cream Day? At least it is in the Thiel household.

Crazy ice cream, that's how we roll.




It all started last year when Carley had the bright idea to have a "crazy" sugar filled celebration and it morphed into Crazy Ice Cream day.

This year the kids invited friends over to join in the yummy goodness.

We had three ice cream flavors, waffle bowls and lots of toppings for many crazy ice cream possibilities! And let me tell you, the ice cream got pretty crazy.





Ice cream instead for lunch once a year isn't bad, right?

Josh's 13th Birthday, A Month Late

A month ago, already, Josh turned 13!


It's hard to believe my little baby boy is a teenager. But he is.


Josh had his three closest friends over for a sleepover party.


The same three friends that have come to his birthday parties since his 9th birthday.


We made homemade pizza. The boys rolled and topped their own crust.




We played games like "pop each others balloons."




And "move the marshmallow to the cup with only a straw."




And "get all of the gummy fish out of the plate of whipped cream."






I thought the boys would be all teenager attitude on me and reluctantly play the games but they didn't. Everyone had a great time playing the games. We even played an hour of Sardines (reverse hide and seek) after the planned games.

In the morning we made a Harlem Shake video. It was all the YouTube rage about two months ago.

After Harlem Shake and breakfast, Walt took all four boys paintballing. They were gone for the rest of the afternoon. Even Walt had a blast doing that!





I think it was a birthday party sleepover that Josh and his friends will always remember.