The Big 4 (and other August happenings)

August brought us two huge events...Rebecca's 4th Birthday, and my being called to jury duty! 

I know, jury duty is a privilege and a duty we share as Americans.  And I was actually one of those people who wanted to go!  I was really excited to maybe get on a case.  Boy, was that the perfect "be careful what you wish for" moment!  I got on a case that was projected to last 24 days!  It only went 17, luckily, but it was LONG!  And it meant total chaos for our family.  I had to go into downtown LA which was at least a 3 hour commute round trip (double my normal commute). 

It was a medical malpractice case involving an injury to a mother during childbirth.  So, it meant hours and hours and HOURS of medical testimony from doctors whose specialties I've never even heard of before!  I learned some interesting things about the pelvic floor, but I'm glad it's over.  I guess I never realized before how stressful jury duty can be.  I wanted to do a good job and listen and make the right decision.  I never realized how agonizing that can be - knowing that you will change lives no matter which way you decide.  I had a pit in my stomach for days and a bad headache throughout deliberations.  Anyway, it's over now and I'm glad.  Time to move on to a report of our other big August event...Rebecca's birthday!

Rebecca's birthday party was a superhero theme!  We had a Superhero Academy where all the games were meant to teach the kids how to become a Superhero (Pinterest made me do it).  It was a lot of work, but I think it went well and the kids had fun.  I'm so thankful to Mike for helping with all my crazy ideas (well, actually not MY crazy ideas...Pinterest people's ideas).

Here are some pics from the big day!

Here's all the little superheroes in their capes and masks

This is the obstacle course where they learned several of their superhero skills.  First, a run through some cones for SPEED.

Next, lifting a VERY heavy barbell (made of foam) for STRENGTH.

Next, jumping over buildings for FLIGHT.

Next...throwing bean bags for PRECISION.

And last, crawling through a ring of fire for BRAVERY.

Another fun activity was for the kids to learn TEAMWORK.  Wonder Woman was frozen in a block of ice and they had to work together to free her!  Here are some pics:

The kids were so excited to run outside to free Wonder Woman with their squirt bottles.

Now on to one of Rebecca's favorite party activities...cake!  We had a cake made with the mask of one of her superhero favorites from a show called PJ Masks.  The problem was...she told me she didn't want to eat the cake because it had this character's face on it!!  Go figure! 

And finally...some pics of us and Grandma and Grandpa with Rebecca.