The World With Joey: October 2011

Jose and I wanted to celebrate Joey's birthday on the official day, October 21st. Joey requested to go to Chuck E. Cheese. Jose was working until 6:30 so we ate at home (I didn't think Joey would eat at the restaurant with all the other exciting things to do). We all had a great time! Then, we gave him our presents when we got home.

Earlier that day, Joey had school. The first thing he said when he woke up was, "Who's the birthday boy!" He always brings me laughter. When we walked into school and saw his class, he announced, "Here comes the birthday boy!" His teachers were so kind and gave him special priveledges throughout the day. Joey was excited to bring Spiderman cupcakes to share with his friends.

The next day, Kathy wanted to celebrate Joey's birthday. She found a restaurant that would sing "Happy Birthday!" with a candle in a dessert. Joey was surprised and actually hid under the table.

Outside, waiting for dad to come home by the stop sign in our front yard.

This has been a fun activity for years now!

Chuck E. Cheese!

Jose and Joey playing basketball

Who is having more fun with the water gun race??

Joey shooting peanuts into the mouths of animals

Joey and Mommy, Rockstars!

Imaginext Robots - to top off the evening!

The only activity I insist on when we visit Chuck E. Cheese

This is a Halloween card Joey wrote for me and Jose. "Boo! I love you mom and dad." I was so proud of him. He copied the letters, but WOW! We have come so far. He was so proud of his work.

Joey surprised by the waiters and waitresses delivering a cake and singing "Happy Birthday" to him.

Joey and Aunt Kathy!

Me and my Joey!

Chef Joey showing his pizza creation made exclusively with moon dough.

Joey enjoying Pepe

Pepe has been protective of Joey since Joey was born.

Joey and I made Green Goo with corn starch water and coloring. Liquid or solid? We had fun trying to figure it out!

Joey enjoying the mess

Pajama Day at school for Red Ribbon Week

Joey and Matthew in their PJ's

Austin, Kristen, Joey, Matthew, Ben and Cecilia

Joey requested this year to have a "Secret Spy" themed birthday party. I wasn't sure how I would pull it off, but the internet gave great ideas. I just modified them for age and interest. We always have big parties - this year I believe we had 60 people. It couldn't have been done without family support. Great friends and family were there. Joey woke up that morning and started asking at 7:30 when the guests would arrive. It was a long wait since the party was scheduled at 4:00. Luckily, my sister and parents provided distraction for the afternoon by taking him over to my parent's house and going to get the cake together.

Here is the invitation that was sent out:

ATTENTION: SECRET AGENTS

YOU HAVE BEEN SELECTED FOR A SECRET MISSION.

JOEY SORIA (ALIAS AGENT 112) IS TURNING 5 YEARS OLD.

YOUR PRESENCE IS REQUESTED ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16TH FROM 4:00 TO 6:30.

LOCATION: 16630 KNOLLVISTA, SAN ANTONIO, 78247

CONTACT OUR AGENCY AT 491-0811 TO CONFIRM YOUR ATTENDANCE.

PASSWORD FOR ENTRY IS EID.

*This message will self destruct in 30 seconds.

The Cake!

Secret Agent Joey!

The Front Door! You had to have the password from the invitation to enter. Joey answered the door for most of the guests.

Nana, Papa, Aunt Kathy, and Joey

Joey and his daddy

The boys (with experience) at the party

Joey, Abuela, and Abel

Joey and our dear neighbor, Maria

Joey and Wesley admiring the presents

Daddy grilling sausage and hotdogs

The mysterious footprints throughout the house

All agents (young and old) were asked to complete ID badges for the party. It included your name, code name, and official thumb print. Joey was fabulous and explaining the procedures.

Jake and Tyler completing their ID badges

Zack and his daddy filling out the information

Off to secret spy training. . .

Joey at the end of the obstacle course, shooting down the enemy

It was popular!

Some got tired waiting

The course consisted of stepping through rings or on stepping stones, crawling through a tunnel, going between lasers (red ribbon), balance beams, stepping through boxes, and shooting down the enemy with a water gun.

Next, the secret mission began

All agents received disguises prior to beginning the missions.

Secret Agent Annaliese

Secret Agent Victoria

Secret Agent Joey AKA Agent 112

There were 6 missions in all - leading the agents to various points inside and outside. When they completed each mission, a gadget or tool was issued (handcuffs, magnifying glass, walkie talkie, gun, etc.).