Nate's B-day

So, Nate's b-day was at the beginning of the month. We had a primary activity the morning of his birthday. When he got home, he thought his party, where family was going to come for cake and ice cream, would be that night. He was very brokenhearted when he found out it wasn't until the next day. He was consoled by being able to open up his presents from us that day. We got him a new scooter, a leapster game (both on sale of course!) and a little lego set. He was pretty comatose with the leapster game for the first little bit. Zach loved that because he was trying to ride Nate's scooter and did really well. When Nathan finally realized he got the scooter, he wanted to ride it. We worked things out by having Nate give his old scooter to Zach, which is actually easier for Zach to ride anyhow. They have both loved the scooters and will be excited when it warms up more outside.
We took him out to dinner for his birthday and let him choose. He said he wanted "alien pancakes" that are at Denny's so that's were we went. It turns out they have free kids meals on Tuesday and Saturday nights, so the boys ate free. Bonus! When the server found out it was Nate's birthday, he brought out cool cups for the boys to keep and gave us all ice cream as well. Everyone around us told Nate happy birthday as well. The boys had a lot of fun and we were really touched about how kind the server was. It was a really fun night.
The following Sunday, we had family and friends come over for cake and ice cream. The boys were thrilled to see family and had a blast. Nate opened some presents first, and then we did the cake. We had the cake in front of him, with the candles lit and everyone singing happy birthday and Nate was totally oblvious because he was playing with a toy his aunt and uncle gave him. We finally got him to pay attention and he blew out the candles. Silly goose! It was great to have family over and we're so glad that they are supportive.
The following Thursday, we had some of Nate's friends come over for playgroup at our house, which we used as a birthday party. When I asked Nate what he wanted to do for his birthday, he said he wanted to do a volcano. We've done simple volcano's before at our house during playgroup with just the standard water, food coloring, baking soda and vinegar. The boys have loved it and ask for it almost every time we have playgroup at our house. The just laugh and laugh and laugh. It's fun to watch their reactions.
Anyhow, Aunt Jane asked what we were doing for Nate's birthday and I told her he wanted to do a volcano. She offered to come down and do different science experiments with the boys. I asked Nate if he wanted Jane to come down and he did. I thought it was very sweet that she offered.
During Nate's party, they got to do a couple of different types of volcanos, see crystals "grow", watch food coloring drops make stars, and color a bag with markers and watch the colors spread when we put rubbing alcohol on them. Oh, and they also got to play with a ton of balloons. I think they had a great time. Zach has become very attached to the bag he has made and has taken it, loaded with stuff, to the store, the doctors office and lots of other places.
Anyhow, it was fun to celebrate his birthday and it's hard to believe he's five now. where has the time gone?