Nate's 5th Birthday

nate turned 5 on january 28, and he wanted another party at the bouncy house, just like last year. 

however, this year, i gave him a choice:  he could either invite 2 or 3 friends over to the house and keep any birthday gifts, or invite everyone he knows to the bouncy house, but any gifts would be donated to the local homeless shelter kids.  he chose the latter!  **sniff, i was so proud!** 

unfortunately, when he realized EXACTLY what that meant AFTER all the invitations were sent out, he got a little crabby.  oh well!  we took up a collection of coloring books and art supplies for the homeless kids, and nate was actually pretty cool about the whole thing. 

i think it helped that we were collecting only art supplies, and not cool new trucks!

anyways, we all had fun at the bouncy house, and the kids' coordinator at the Haven was really happy to meet nate.

best idea ever from a magazine:  use washable markers to draw on a shirt, then it washes right out!  nate now likes to color a new picture on this shirt whenever it comes out of the wash.  yes, he knows that this is the ONLY shirt he is allowed to do that with!

see ethan in the red/black striped shirt?  (nate is in the bouncy house)

nate was VERY specific about his cake.  last year we had a fire truck.  this year it had to be a FRONT-LOADING garbage truck.  **sheesh**

nate's not big on playing competitive games if he can't guarantee he'll win...  which is why you do not see him playing here!