5th Birthday

Dearest Colton,

In the blink of an eye, you've become my favorite 5 year old.  

Like every year, I think the person you've become this year is awesome!  The first five adjectives that come to mind when I think of you are:

      comical -- you like being silly and your laugh is one of my all-time favorite sounds!

      wise -- you're a fast learner and you connect concepts easily - you're already reading and writing!

      sensitive -- you do not like being laughed at, surprised (especially by loud noises, like Boo!), or feeling intimidated (remind us to tell you the story of the time you slapped someone across the face!)

      affectionate -- you are still the sweetheart who will grab our cheeks and plant a big kiss on our lips or curl up on our laps to cuddle

      independent -- you are content to play alone and will sometimes even do so when surrounded by friends!

The Sunday before your actual birthday, we had some friends over for a party in celebration of you.  We had our usual crew over to swim and it hit me that next year will probably be the year that you start inviting your "own friends" (a.k.a. the friends that aren't kids of my BFFs) to your parties so it was bittersweet.

Before guests arrived, I asked if I could take your annual fireplace photo.  Your fun personality was in full-force during our 30 second photo shoot!

You and your friends played upstairs for a little bit but then everyone jumped in the water.

There wasn't a "theme" for this party but we were going to order a Ninja Turtle Cake.  You shot us down though and insisted on basic cupcakes.  Winning!

Everyone sang to you and then you opened presents....but I guess I put my camera away because this is where the photographic evidence ends.

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Your actual birthday was 2 days later and I planned out a day of things you enjoy!

We started with a movie & we went to a new theater with recliners.  This was a treat for all of us!

Afterwards, we picnicked in the park and ran around playing for as long as we could stand the 100+ degree temps. 

Showers were a MUST after that & we followed them up with your favorite game - Monopoly!

When Dad got home from work, you opened your presents.

Then we went to Grandpa and Grandma's house where you opened even more!

We all went out to dinner and you got to pick the spot - Buffalo Wild Wings.

Daddy and I had quite the "Colton is such a cool kid." conversation after tucking you into bed that night.  We are blessed to be your parents and we love you lots and lots and lots.