5

So the celebration of turning 5 has finally come to an end. Braden mentioned something about 6 this past week and I told him we can't even start thinking about that. We're just going to enjoy being 5. Before we move on to the celebrations, here are some reflections on his year of being 4.

The first year of "real" school is under his belt.

He decided to put his face under in the pool and now is a literal fish.

He learned how to ride a bike with no training wheels.

First year of t-ball.

Went fishing (and lost his pet Rocky).

Discovered Lincoln Logs and Lego's and that he wants to be a "builder" when he grows up.

Continues to be a great big brother.

And, most importantly, asked Jesus to live in his heart.

We love you, Braden! Keep growing with your kind heart and spirit.

I love that smile! We had a party on Braden's actual birthday at the house with his "grown-up" friends who love him and like to celebrate his day.

It was a Jake and the Neverland Pirates theme for birthday 5.

Although I think Jeanine knew what she was doing with her cookie bouquet.

Nicole was on duty on the day of the "grown-up" party, so she and her crew decided to swing by and say hi! So firetrucks became a party theme as well! 

And I think some of the grown-ups were as excited about the ride around the block in the truck as the kids!

Thanks for the super-cool birthday surprise, Nicole and crew! And especially for the rides around the block!

Braden's kid party was at the pool at our gym. The sign coming in was cute... even if they did spell his name wrong. 

The kids spent lots of time in the pool and going down the slides.

Then we had some food.

The pirate theme was carried over. And Hunter got into the spirit.

It was hot, but nobody seemed to mind much since we all got in the pool.

Braden got a special cookie.

And everyone else got cookie bars. 

Here's the crew. Kyndal hung tough as the only girl! 

And they headed right back in after dinner!