Today, Jake is officially 10! Both hands full and double digits. He's had amazing start to his morning - his Auntie Tam organised for our local radio station to call him first thing this morning. They phoned and sang to him live on air and he was just beaming! School today is a short day - they finish up at 1, instead of 2:15 and he's got cakes to share with just about everyone. He has been very spoiled too, he got an iPod from me, lots of money, new takkies (so, so green), TV games, chocolates, seeds for his garden - what a great way to start his day! Thank you to everyone who made it so special for him. Tonight we have the family coming for supper, so looking forward to a small "party" later too.
To celebrate his birthday this year, Jake decided that he wanted to do a hike with some of his buddies. The weather was perfect and we picked the contour path up from Rhodes Memorial for our hike. It's not too tough, although you think the stairs are going to kill you when you start. When you get onto the contour path, the walk is shady and flat. We only had one dad and son combo who dropped out half way up.
It's quite nice when the kids reach a stage, where they realise that it's not all about the presents, it's about spending time with friends who you enjoy being with and just having some fun...
Our group was still a fair size, with some parents joining in too...
Jake loved every second and made sure that he was the leader of the pack...
Jake's Uncle Justin and cousin Abi joined us too...
So did Corky and Uncle Paul. Corky was the absolute star of the day. He didn't moan once and kept up with kids that are double his age...
A tree was the perfect fireman's pole...
For all of them! It kept them entertained for hours and was a real challenge getting back up. Oh and all that litter? Corky got a bag and picked it up...
Corky doing the clean up - helping to save the world as he put it...
Jake is very blessed to have wonderful cousins who care about him so much...
Corky doesn't give up. Anything the big kids did, he wanted to try as well...
We had plenty of little stops along the way for the boys to explore - here they were looking at bugs in a little pool...
My first-born niece. She gets more and more beautiful every day! Beautiful on the inside and the outside...
Corky did it all and all on his own...
Michael was there, of course...
And Cameron... they're very much a part of Jake's inner circle...
The kids had fun with a fallen tree...
Some were stronger than others...
I had cute little back packs made up for all the kids as a thank you. A friend made stickers to put on them for the day - the looked really great...
Corky arrived back at the car park last, but to lots of clapping and cheering. He is one little ball of courage and energy. Well done Corky, I am SO proud of you!!
The picnic spot...
Jake's party this year was an absolute pleasure. We were finished hiking by lunch time and had it on the public holiday for voting. We were all home in time to go and cast our votes and we'd all had a wonderful morning together.
Jake, here's to another wonderful year! I love you so much and no matter how big you get, you'll always be my special boy!
Love mom XXX
PS... look how much he's grown here. - I need to updated this post when I have time...
