Parker Turns 5

 Since this was Parker's last birthday before he starts school, John and I both decided to take off work and spend it with him. We started the day with birthday cake pancakes which were very yummy. I found the recipe on this www.seededatthetable.com/2012/08/15/birthday-cake-pancakes. Then we headed out for some fun. John and I built Parker a Build a Bear when he was little, so Parker wanted to go and get him a Batman outfit. Then we headed to Toys R Us to pick out a couple of presents, including a TMNT sword. After that we had Chuys for lunch and then went to Academy to get all of Parker's T-ball gear. The day ended with Parker's meal of choice, Pesto chicken pasta.

 I have had mixed emotions about having a 5 year old!! On one hand, I am so excited that he is becoming more independent, but on the other I am so sad that he will not be with me on Thursdays and Fridays next year. I think that is going to be a huge adjustment for Parker, Truitt and myself!!! How do I describe Parker at 5??? He is smart, funny, witty, creative, cute, a skinny-minny, non stop talker, a whiny pants (which according to my mom he gets from me!!), and most of all, such a sweet, loving kid.

5 year stats
 Height: 43 inches - He grew 3 inches this last year!!
Weight: 36.5 pounds

Happy Birthday to My Sweet Boys

Happy Birthday to my almost 5 and 2 year olds!! I love these two more than I could ever have imagined and have so much fun planning their birthdays each year. This one was no exception. I put on my creative hat and even made a wreath out of caution tape!! Well, I planned and planned for this party and ultimately we ended up with a beautiful day and the kids just loved playing outside. They jumped in the bouncy house, played in the fort, had sword fights with foam swords and chased Hailey!! After playing outside for a while, the kids were surprised by the Red Power Ranger or Grandpa. Parker was so surprised and not sure what to think. Parker is not a fan of dressed up characters and it took me telling him to listen to the voice for him to finalize realize who it was!! Just so everyone knows, this was all his idea and I did not force him into this at all!! When each "little" kid arrived, they were given a cloth tool belt with their name on it. There was a "Dig Site" set up and a "Paint Table" where the kids could decorate a car, truck or even a unicorn. Presents!! And then it was time for cake. I went to Grimes Bakery, who made Parker's Cars cake, and they were able to put both themes on it. It was also very yummy!! Truitt loved the icing, even getting a little taste before the party :)

Early New Years

Since Danielle and I had to work on New Years Eve, we decided to have our own celebration the weekend before. We had a blast with 9 kiddos running around. It was a great night getting everyone together!!

The Adults

All of the kiddos

We ended the night with a fireworks show.

Christmas Day in New Braunfels

After breakfast we headed to New Braunfels for Christmas dinner. My mom overdid it as usual and made a wonderful meal. It is always so great to spend time with Omi and Big D, and it was even more special this year. Big D is about to turn 92 and Omi had been in the hospital but was feeling so much better. I love seeing their faces light up when the boys are around!! We have been very fortunate and blessed this year and are so thankful to get to spend the holidays with our families!!

Parker and his Great Grandparents, Omi and Big D

And more presents...

At almost every family gathering, John takes advantage of other people watching the kiddos and takes a little snooze. I am going to start a scrapbook of all the pics I have like this!!