Ryan's birthday

Megan was happy to go in to Ryan's class to celebrate his birthday with Otter Pops after they came in from field day.

The following day we had his birthday party, though his actual birthday was still a little over a week away. Ryan wanted a Candyland birthday, similar to the one he had seen on the blog from when Rachel turned 4. We made lollipop decorations out of paper plates, and played lots of candy-type games: 

Candy hop and candy toss:

 Candy walk (like a cake walk, but with a candy bar for a prize):

 Nana Nutt races with circus peanuts balanced on a spoon (like an egg race):

 We of course had a piñata (which we didn't get a picture of, I guess?!) and the cake and presents.

 Ryan is a goofball. He had the kids in stitches as he opened presents saying, "Oooh! Just what I wanted: tissue paper!"

 Overall, I'd say he was happy with the fun day.

 
The following week we had a family birthday party. Annie was eager to make the treats for it. She made Mice Cream. We served them over brownies. They turned out pretty cute.

 He was very excited about a few presents in particular: real tools (which he used to put together his dresser that also was a birthday present), an RC car that does cool tricks, and some money so he could buy his own diving rings for when we go swimming. Of course he's been hooked to one of the I Spy books he got, too (as has Rachel).

The next day was his actual birthday and we celebrated by taking him to the doctor. Woohoo! At least he didn't have to get a shot. He got to choose where we ate for lunch (Eegees was his good choice), and he got to start swim lessons.

 Ryan is a generous and funny kid. He's a great big brother to Megan and plays really well with her most of the time. I'm still waiting for Annie and Ryan to become best friends (maybe in High School?) but for now they do a great job at being frenemies. He knows how to make everyone laugh or how to cheer up Megan when she's angry or sad. He's not very concerned with material possessions and often offers one of his fun toys to give away to someone he thinks will appreciate it, or just to donate so he can downsize his room. The doctor confirmed that his hearing is fine (though I still have my doubts based on when I ask him to do chores or his homework). We are very happy to have this 7-year-old in our family.