Dr. Burch and the mermaid

Well as usual for this time of year Hunter has been talking birthday ideas since shortly after Easter. He has always loved science and told us that when he grows up he thinks he wants to be an inventor :) He really wanted to have a science party for his birthday. I love that he told GG that next year he would be eight so therefore he would soon be a "half teenager." This new term cracked us up even though to be honest he already is a mini teenager in the working. We sent out invitations to all his buddies addressed to Dr. such and such from Burch Labs Inc. stating that their presence was desired to take part in some new and exciting experimentation. We found a cool science kit at Hobby Lobby that had 5 test tubes in a holder and each test tube contained a different experiment to be done. The kids would have to do the experiments one at a time which actually worked out well. We decided that they also needed to look the part. Deke had an old pair of college chemistry goggles and I found an old white blazer at Savers that looked just like a lab coat. We had a tag for each Dr. to wear. The morning of the party we hung green streamers from the windows so it looked like slime oozing down and put pictures up on the walls of different laboratories. First thing Hunter put on the lab coat and googles and got his tag on to greet his guests. When the kids starting arriving Hunter greeted each boy at the door welcoming them to Burch Laboratory and giving them a tag. We went over the rules of experiments such as no touching the liquids with their fingers, no drinking any of the liquids etc. etc. Then we let each boy take a turn one at a time doing an experiment and wearing all the "official" lab gear. They first got to make a bouncy ball which they were all quite intrigued with. Next they got to make worms which was actually really cool. Deke and I laughed quietly to ourselves as we began this experiment and Hunter excitedly exclaimed, "Hey guys let's make some observations" Seeing the questioning eyes of the other boys who undoubtedly at that point were wondering where the cake was Hunter started in. It was neat to see that after he started the other boys started in as well. After they saw the first worm come out they were hooked. They could hardly wait for their turn to experiment and each one was quick to remind that they needed a turn with the lab coat. As they made the worms we all discussed how the worms were forming and why. The boys shrugged their shoulders not quite sure as Hunter piped up, "I think that the chemical mixes with the other chemical and that causes them to start making a goo which then makes the worm." Good answer Hunter. Love that kid. I never thought an "educational" sort of party could be fun but it really was. The teacher in me loved discussing with the kids about the different reactions and watching their little minds race at the concepts. It was great to watch their faces as they put the liquid into the test tube and watched for the reaction. Next they did a little experimenting with invisible ink. We didn't have time to go on to make touchable bubbles or form crystals since we only had two hours so we headed to the park for our last experiment. We used diet soda and Mentos a fun thing that I had never done before but Deke had. Each boy got a 2 liter and had a turn releasing the Mentos from the chamber to result in this: Okay really fun and very entertaining for all of us. Especially when Deke shoved eleven Mentos in the chamber instead of the recommended seven and it really went high. Then we headed back to the house for pizza and create your own sundaes which turned out about like this: Of course the boys had piled so much on there I don't think that any of them could finish more than four or five bites before they were full. Then some presents and off to play LEGO's until parents arrived. We gave them each a goodie bag consisting of glow sticks, pop rocks, and a mini magnifying glass. It was such a fun party and Hunter had so much fun, we all did. Here are just a few things we love about our Hunterbug:

* Hunter is a natural born leader

*Hunter is a major people person there is not a shy bone in that child's body

*Hunter has an amazing vocabulary and can hold adult conversations

*He is hilarious and witty

*He is an extremely inventive and creative thinker and has a great imagination

*He is a wonderful big brother and is protective of his sisters

*He has a sensitive side and is very thoughtful of others

*He is definitely our deep thinker

I have to end with a story that is so sweet everytime I think of it my heart burns. That night after his party he asked if I would lay by him in bed. Now I'll be honest I am human and some nights when he asks me the answer is that I am tired or I want time with Daddy so on and so forth. "Sure buddy" I said and laid down next to him on the bed. As we laid there quietly back to back in the dark I started to drift off to sleep. "Do you want to know what my birthday wish was mom?" he asked. "No buddy don't tell me remember if you tell me then it might not come true." "Please mom, I want to tell you" he added. "Okay if you really want to." Then in a quiet sweet voice he said, "Mom I wished that you would come in and lay by me tonight, and guess what mom....it came true." Then saying nothing more he closed his eyes and within a minute I could feel his calm slow breathing of sleep. Quietly I laid next to him in the dark tears literally pouring down my faces as I tried to quiet my nearing sobs. My heart was so tender. I love him so much and it is amazing everyday watching him grow. I looked over at him with his cute little freckles and remember holding him in my arms for the first time and thinking how much I loved him then. Not even comprehending the way I would feel about him now. If that love only continues I can't even imagine what is depth will continue to grow to be. We love you Hunter, happy birthday bug. Now about that mermaid.....