Amos at 5 and birthday pictures.

Amos' birthday was a big day. It really gets fun to celebrate his birthday, the older he gets. We had fun reminding him all day that it was his birthday and of course, had a blast at his party. He does really love gifts and now I am finding it hard to find the balance for it being ok for that to be his love language and just being happy to celebrate things with friends and family. We're still working on it, but I know we'll get there...he's only 5!
He opened presents after breakfast, from Nathan and I and family members. He enjoyed it greatly! Later, he and I made his cupcake ice cream cones (basically it's just cupcakes in cones instead of paper) and then got ready to have friends over for his party. For dinner, his request was his favorite cheese pizza from Trader Joe's and the parents got yummy local pizza! After singing, presents and cake, we went to a large green space near our house and threw water balloons! Nathan came home early to fill them all with water and of course, they were popped within minutes! Afterward, we got the kids to pick up all the busted balloons and then headed home for the next phase--the sleepover! We had five four and five year olds over and they all did really well! We gave them fun neon glow sticks and turned down the lights for "How to Train Your Dragon." We made it through the first half and then saved the second half for the morning.
After they all slept well, we had a great breakfast together and then play time. They went home soon after, and we spent the rest of the day recovering.
It was a really fun day for Amos and we are really glad that he enjoyed it!



























The five-year-old Amos is quite a little person. His likes include things pertaining to Star Wars, Transformers (not the live-action movies, just the characters), Pixar characters, PBS kids, trucks, construction, planes and trains; dinosaurs, books, sports and music. He's been playing baseball outside and loves to play football and basketball, too. He loves sword and lightsaber fights. He loves to sing and play guitar, especially with Daddy. And thankfully, he still loves to cuddle!
His dislikes include grapes, strawberries, blueberries and anything with a squishy or gummy texture; scary movies (although he tries to convince us he's not scared); he doesn't like to learn new things unless it's on his turf--not sure how reading/school is going to go. He doesn't like to go to sleep and is happy that now his "naptime" is "rest time with a movie."
If he's playing with someone and they do something he doesn't like, he's pretty vocal and will let them know. He's a communicator, checking in with us during the day, telling us he loves us and telling us how he's doing. He's really extroverted but doesn't like being put on the spot. He loves going to church because he gets to run laps in the sanctuary (when there's no one in there) and loves singing and being part of the service. He is such a little sidekick, and I love living life with him. He's been saying some pretty funny phrases lately: "If I may..." "I'll see if that works out..." and other funny things that I can't remember right now.
He's such an amazing little person. Sometimes, I feel like I can't love him or enjoy him enough and other days, his energy and exuberance wear me out. I am excited to see how he does in school and we are looking forward to hearing his stories and seeing what lies ahead this year!