5 things about you.

Dear Mack,

You turned 5 in the car.  Well, actually, we were home for a while, but the morning was spent in a frenzy.  Checking of the 'don't forget' list, loading bikes, packing snacks, and scrambling to get it all done.  We did (or at least attempted to) sing happy birthday to you, had Pioneer Woman cinnamon rolls, and then continued with the 'we're going on a trip chaos.'

As we traveled over Snoqualmie Pass, the sky turned dark and the clouds hung low.  I'm not sure how many times you said "the storm is following us & we can't have my birthday!"  I tried to be reassuring that birthdays do still happen on cloudy & stormy days.  In fact, even on the sunniest of days, storms still linger... but you'll figure that out soon enough.  Storms linger & follow, but they can't steal your joy if you don't let them.

We got to Whidbey Island early that evening, hiked to the bluff at Aunt Merrie and Uncle Mark's house, rode in the elevator to see Papa Roy  & Great Grandma, and then celebrated with Peanut Butter cookies that grandma had saved from their dinner.  We even sang Happy Birthday ... again ... for about the 5th time that day - which is appropriate since you are {5}.

I know it didn't feel like a birthday to you.  There were no special treats.  The 'theme' was 'Let's Go on a Trip & hopefully you'll feel special!'  But you know what Mack?!  2 days later and the day was about you!  A fire in the fire pit, a treasure hunt for everyone, treats, chips, presents, pop, and the best birthday cake ever!  A cake, made by Mor Mor, that should be called the Mack cake because of your absolute and totally crazy love for all things CANDY. It was perfect in every way!

You were hugged, you were sang to, you were celebrated ... and you were LOVED!

And just so I don't forget ... here are 5 things that are special about you:

1.  You love candy, ice cream, cookies, cake, and all things sweet.  I'm sure it's my fault.  It's definitely not the best trait I could have shared with you ... and really not good for your teeth.  Your love/hate relationship for the dentist started this summer too.  Again, I'm certain it's my fault.

2.  You say "guess what?" or "you know what?" before saying anything at least 569 times a day.  You also started saying 'seriously' in a sarcastic sort of way.  Go figure.

3.  You love your brother and don't like to do anything without him.  You also antagonize him, end up fighting, and he's the one blamed (even though it's usually your fault). I'm trying hard not to let this one become a habit ... and am praying you are too.

4.  You are not going to go to Kindergarten this fall & it's the best decision your dad & I have ever made for you.  I'm sure of it & it hasn't even happened yet.

5.  You love to paint.  You love to create.  You love to play.  You don't know many letters, you know a few numbers, and you can count like crazy - just not always in order.  You love to tell jokes.  You wear mismatched clothes all the time.  You love to cook.  You make all of us laugh.  You are my cuddle bug!

Here's to another amazing trip around the sun ~ 

I love you my 'sweet' {5} year old, 

Mom