Jarem Turns 9

We started out by taking Jarem to breakfast at Cracker Barrel on the morning of his birthday!  Eric was with us initially, but since there was a wait, he had to leave before we got in to eat. :(  Alex had an AP review course, so it was me, the girls, Micah and Jarem.

We don't usually let the kids get soda pop for breakfast, but since it was Jarem's birthday I made an exception.  ALL of our kids LOVE the Stewarts Orange Cream soda that they have at Cracker Barrel.

Jarem showing his crazy side

Micah fascinated with the peg game

Tessa playing with Micah while we waited for our food

Guess who also got ice cream and a happy birthday song?  I didn't know Cracker Barrel did that.

We were looking for this little "Ice Cube" penguin that Jarem really wanted for his birthday, but I guess he was sold-out! :(

Since we only do friend parties on even years, Jarem didn't have a big party this year.  However, we do allow them to invite one friend to dinner and cake.  For his 9th birthday, Jarem wanted to invite Joshua Isom.  He also asked if he could have the missionaries over for dinner as well.  We were able to work that out, so he got the missionaries and Josh. :)

Elder Peterson and Elder Day

Jarem's present from the missionaries. :)

Birthday dinner of choice: mac n cheese, baked beans, and broccoli

Opening a bright orange athletic polo.  He is really into bright orange lately.

The "I Survived" book series that he really likes

Shook the box and heard Legos, so he was hurrying to open it.

Confused when I said it wasn't Legos and there was Marvel Super Heroes Wii game, and LEGOS underneath!!

Eric got him the new Disney Infinity Game for Wii

Some of the Infinity characters for the Infinity game

Dash is supposed to be a favorite

Batman cake

Jesikah made the Gotham city along the bottom

Jarem and Josh with the cake

Only one candle cause we didn't have 9 matching ones in the cupboard.

Blowing out the candle

Jarem has had a hard year this year.  Having a new baby join our family has been the hardest on him.  Unfortunately, he's kind of become the "annoying one" in the family lately.  Going from being the prized baby for 8 years to the irritating middle child has not been an easy transition for him.  However, he is coming out of it I think.  He is a good boy and he wants to do what is right.  He loves his baby brother even though he took his spot as the baby.  The problem is that sometimes he just loves on him too much.  It has been much better as Micah is getting older and able to interact with him now.

Jarem is developing a love for reading.  He is very interested in nature, especially plants, rocks, and birds.  He is interested in History.  He is a friendly boy and good at making friends.  He is a good helper.  He is a great soccer player.  He has taken an interest in basketball as well.  He is quick to say sorry.  He can be a very sweet and loving boy.  We are so happy to have Jarem as part of our family!

I'm thinking about home-schooling him next year so we can have more time to really focus on him and his interests and needs in school.