Noah's 3rd Birthday

I know, I know, I'm a tad bit late in posting, but I tell you, 2 kids really takes it out of you!  I'm lucky to find the time to brush my teeth comb my hair!

So, we celebrated Noah's 3rd birthday on Feb. 5 with his Aunt Dana, Uncle Matt, Aunt Emily, Grandma Blick and mommy, daddy, Ian.  I had debated on doing a birthday party for him, but I opted not to this year.  I mean, he's 3, he's not social and he doesn't want to do what you tell him.  Why put ourselves through that?  (I'll elaborate more in a minute).   Before lunch, we decided it was time that Noah got a haircut!!  I think you'll agree the after pictures look so much cuter!

We took everyone to Gattitown, which is a more mature version of Chuck E Cheese.  It's a buffet style pizza place that also offers movie watching while you eat, then has an arcade to play in and win prizes.  I think Noah enjoyed the attention of all and of course, went nuts in the arcade.  Here are some shots with everyone.

We also got a few shots of Ian, who does not like to be held by anyone other than mommy and daddy (for the most part).  He was actually quiet for a bit with grandma.

After the arcade, we came home to open presents and eat cake.  Noah received a playhouse from mommy and daddy and it was unfortunate that there was snow everywhere so we couldn't put it together.  He wanted to play in it so badly!  He got lots of wonderful gifts from family members including some toys, clothing and money for the college fund (yay!)

I think Noah was most happy with his balloons and cake!

Ian was sleeping so we only got a shot of the 3 of us - Our little boy is getting so big!  What a wonderful birthday celebration!

While he couldn't play in his playhouse over the weekend, he did get to enjoy some time outside.  We had 4 snow days leading up to the weekend and mommy and daddy were about to go insane trying to work and manage the kids at home.  I think that was the most snow we've seen in a long time.

So, as I mentioned, Noah is not overly social these days.  While he does play with the kids at school, anyone new that is introduced, he really wants nothing to do with.  We are really struggling in soccer to the point that it's embarrassing his parents.  He's the only little kid who won't participate.  He stands by himself and doesn't want to listen to the coach.  See if you can pick out Noah...

He's the same way at birthday parties and any other place where there are children.  One little boy tried to take his hand and bring him into the group and he wanted nothing to do with it.  We were debating pulling him from soccer, but then we felt that he needs to integrate into groups at some point and if we let his attitude continue, it may get worse. 

We have instituted a "chore" list that includes things like, picking up clothes, toys, listening to mommy and daddy, listening to teachers and listening to your COACH!!  He gets a star for every one he completes each day.  Those stars turn into pennies with which he can buy candy (that we have at the house).  He's mostly through his first week, and let's just say, the sheet is a little sparse, but hopefully with time it will get better.  Every time we go to put a star on the sheet, he talks about one of his chores and that he's going to do a good job.  We'll see if it pays off at soccer today.

On the other hand, Noah is still very sweet to his brother.  He loves to kiss Ian and talk to him.  He'd hold him whenever he could.

I mean, just look at these faces?!

Ok, now that I've posted an entire album, I'll wrap things up.  I didn't spend much time talking on Ian, so I'll include that in the next post.  His baptism is next week so I'm going to try to be much quicker about the pictures and posting!

Cheers!
The Reichert family