Nolan's 7th Birthday!

Our first born just turned SEVEN! How can it be? 

He was remembered, loved, and celebrated by so many! 

His request was a "Mario Birthday". He actually had all of the Mario guys on his birthday chair last year as well… he loves cool characters. But last year we had a combined birthday party with his other brothers with just a colorful theme to celebrate them turning 2, 4, and 6. So this year, since we weren't doing parties, just special outings to celebrate the boys, he wanted me to incorporate Mario and Luigi into as much as I could- specifically asking for a Mario Brothers cake. 

I made some cute little gift tags. 

And went with a green and red theme for Luigi and Mario! 

Daddy got to work from home on Nolan's birthday because the weather was SO freezing! So it was nice to be able to plan a few fun things to do as a family around Mark's work schedule. Nolan was so excited to wear his new Raccoon Mario shirt that Auntie got him for Christmas. We saved it for his special day. As soon as he woke up, he quickly got dressed and ran downstairs to do his Birthday chair. 

He LOVED his birthday chair! 

He got some new books from us. 

A Spirograph from Brooks. 

And Mario Kart from Heath! 

After his birthday chair, we headed to Starbucks for breakfast! 

It was their first time ordering anything there. Nolan chose a vanilla frapaccino and a cake pop! 

It was a nice, warm way to start a cold day! 

Then we headed back home for some Mario Kart! The boys had fun playing Nolan's new game! 

Then we finished Nolan's Ninja Turtle Lego Set! 

It was his perfect day! 

We even had Super Mario Brothers Spaghettio's with meatballs for lunch! And watched the old 1980's Super Mario Brother's show on Netflix! 

When Grandma, Grandpa, Auntie, and Flobby were all home that evening we Skyped them to open up more presents! 

First, was a gift from Uncle T. and Auntie Laura. 

They gave him this fun Where's Waldo card. 

And a Batman, Flash, and Riddler Lego Set! 

And a Mini Figure t-shirt too! He loved it all! Thank you MONSTER and Auntie Laura!!! 

Next up, 

Baseball Spot It 

and Operation from Auntie and Flobby! Some more, new, fun games for our family to play! Thank you guys! 

 Perler Beads from Grandma & Grandpa! He's tried these at After Care before but has never had time to finish, so he was so happy to have his own kit to make some at home! Thanks Grandma & Grandpa! 

And finally, Michigan p.j. pants from the Sloothaaks! They fit perfectly and are so cozy! He was so in need of new pajamas…his old ones were all too short! Thank you for thinking of our guy on his big day Sloothaak family! 

With 3 birthdays and Christmas so close together the boys really get spoiled this time of year. Then it's a L-O-N-G wait until they get gifts again. So I try to think of ideas that will keep them busy throughout the year. They got a wide range of presents and have plenty of activities to keep them entertained during these winter months! 

After presents, it was time for dinner. 

We decided pizza would be a good dinner since Mario and Luigi love it! 

We had a pizza picnic on the floor in front of the Christmas Tree. 

And then had cake for dessert...

I ordered it at Target. I think I'm over making fancy, homemade cakes. I'm at the point where I'd rather pay someone to do it then stress myself out over having to make it perfect. This was a little more expensive, but he absolutely freaked over it! 

Love this kid so much! 

Before bed, we played a few rounds of Operation and then hit the hay. It was such a nice day, spent just the way my 7 year old wanted it! 

When I had asked Nolan what he wanted to do for his birthday, he said, "go to a movie with my friends". So he picked 2 friends from school and I contacted their moms and we figured out a day to make his wish work. It was the last day of Winter Break and he got to spend it hanging with his friends. 

We got them each some little favors for coming to his "party". 

Shane and Jayden got dropped off at our house. He was so excited to show them our home. He gave them the whole tour. It was so cute and funny to listen to him tell them about everything. We overhead him saying, "and this is my dresser". Ha! After he had shown them every bathroom, bedroom, and even closet, it was time to start heading out to the movie. 

They had each brought him a gift, which was so sweet. 

So he opened up his presents first. 

And then we got in the car to head to the theater. 

He requested the AMC at Southlands because he LOVES their reclining seats. We treated the boys to popcorn and drinks and I smuggled in some candy too! 

We saw Big Hero 6 again. I wanted to be sure I was bringing these boys to a movie that was appropriate, so we chose something that we had already seen, just to be sure. They had the BEST time, lounging, laughing, snacking, and chatting! 

It was a fun afternoon! 

And finally, once back at school, we had to celebrate with his class as well. 

Mr. G. invites parents to come in to celebrate their child's birthday. He reads this special birthday book directly to the birthday child. It is a sweet book, that incorporates science, and celebrates how the earth is forever changed by the entrance of each being. It was so touching and made me teary eyed! 

Then the birthday boy got to hold the earth and orbit the sun 7 times. With each orbit I was asked to share something special about Nolan at that age. I shared little bits about his personality, trips we took, school, activities he participated in, etc. Afterwards, I felt like there was so much more I could have added. I guess that's being a mom, you can go on and on about your child forever! 

Then Mr. G. grabbed his guitar and they sang "Happy Birthday" to Nolan. He chose 2 friends, Jacob and Shane, to help him pass out his donuts. Since we celebrated in the morning while I was there to volunteer, we decided donuts would be a good morning treat. 

You could tell just how happy he was. He was smiling and shining! 

Nolan, you make Mommy & Daddy so proud! You are bright and goofy. You are kind hearted and imaginative. You are funny and thoughtful. We pray that in your next year you will continue to be love, to strive to follow Jesus, to work hard, to grow in confidence, to serve others, and to have fun! May this be your BEST year yet! We LOVE you buddy! You are the best!