Happy 5th birthday, Silas!

I can't believe my sweet baby boy is 5 years old! They say time flies when you're having fun, but holy moly! I remember his birth like it was yesterday. We had a fun day celebrating Silas' birthday at home, spending most of the day outside playing with his new big wheel "trick" bike. It was a spontaneous purchase on my part (mostly because I wasn't sure what to get and c'mon, being 5 is a big deal!) and it was a huge hit. Silas loves spinning on it and watching the sparks that fly when he brakes (yes, sparks literally fly!!!).  He chose Culver's for lunch and mac 'n cheese for dinner.  :)

The day after his birthday we had a party at Sky Zone, a joint party with his best friend, Graham Turcotte. The boys had so much fun jumping and playing with all their friends. Silas chose an army cake with an army tank on it.

Turning 5 has proven to be quite a challenge. I had (naively) thought turning the magic "5" would somehow turn out little boy into a more mature, well behaved bigger boy. 5 is just a number, it literally means nothing (how could I not know this by now?).  We've had more problems with sassiness and not listening than ever. He's never been one for meltdowns and tantrums, until he turned 5. Who knew turning 5 could bring such drama!?  While it's been tough, we get glimpses once in a while of the fun, sweet boy that's inside. Silas is great with his manners (except when it comes to bodily functions...he still thinks those are hilarious) and loves his sister with all his heart. He has become a huge fan of Nama's and loves spending time with her. He is energetic and loves all sports and absolutely LOVES being outside, rain or shine, hot or cold and prefers to be in shorts and shirtless at all times.

His favorite color is still orange. And just last week he learned to ride his bike without training wheels!! I don't think I've ever seen him so proud. I was at work when he learned and it was nearly dark when he and Jake got home from a soccer game but the three of us went outside so he could show me his new trick. I cheered loudly for him as he rode without training wheels and he jumped off his bike and ran, jumping into my arms. He was literally bursting at the seams with pride (and so was I!)  - it was so fun to see the joy he had in this big accomplishment.

And now my annual birthday letter to my boy.

My energetic and sweet boy,
      How is it possible that you are 5 years old already?  I tell you often that I'm going to put a brick on your head to keep you from growing but in all honestly, I am enjoying watching you grow. I selfishly wish you would stay little forever, but I am truly enjoying watching you grow into a fun-loving, happy boy.  You challenge me in ways I've never known were possible and some days make absolutely crazy, but I wouldn't change one thing about you.
     You are self-assured and confident and daily tell me things like, "I can run faster than you" ; "I can jump higher than so-and-so"; "I'm better at jumping than so-and-so" and believe whole-heartedly  that you are the best at all things in your life. I pray that Daddy and I can help you use this confidence for great things in your life (and tame it down a bit, haha!).
    You love for your family, particularly Stella, tells me that someday you will be a great family man. I love how much you love Stella and that no matter what she does, you are always kind to her...sometimes smother her with love, but so far, you are always kind to you and show her great amounts of affection. You'll never know how much that means to Daddy and me.
     I love you more than you can even understand. I truly feel that you won't be able to understand the depths of my love for you until you are a Daddy yourself. You are a beautiful brown-eyed, tan-skinned boy and I am so thankful God chose me to be your Mommy.

Disney

Forgive me. I am horrible at updating this blog. It's sometimes in the back of my mind (usually not, though) and finding time to actually sit down and write is hard. I can't even keep up with uploading my pictures to shutterfly as backup. I only posted 6 times in 2014. 6 times. I'll try to be better (I know, I know...you've heard that before).

Beginning of January we went to Disney World in Florida!! This is quite possibly the first time I've returned from vacation not rejuvenated or relaxed. I (we) returned exhausted, pale (despite warmer, sunny days early in our week there), and needing a vacation after our vacation. But I wouldn't have it any other way.

We spent 8 days there and hit all the parks at least once, most of them twice. Stella got all four of her molars there (yeah, you can imagine how that went) and of course went through the entire week wanting no one except for me and wanting to be carried allllllllll week. We had rented a double stroller which Silas took advantage of but Stella went through the week in her carrier.

Our best memories, I think, were the ones unscripted and not planned. Silas got a hug from Mickey Mouse, the only child that did, one morning when we were there for Magic Kingdom to open for the day. Jake and I both teared up - who knows why - watching that special moment. Another favorite memory was when we ended up at the Osbourn Light Show at Universal Studios. Every inch of every building was light up and done to music. The music was loud, it "snowed" (even though it was a muggy 75 degrees) and our whole family had a dance party in the street for over an hour. Stella was a dancing queen on this trip and it was so fun watching her enjoy herself.

Silas was big enough to really enjoy some of the big rides like Soarin' and Test Track at Epcot (Epcot was his favorite!) and figured out quickly that if Stella could go on a ride, it must be for babies.  He was a trooper with the long days and only a few times fell asleep in the stroller late at night on our way home.

The weather started off hot at the beginning of the week, but by the end, we froze in pants, jackets and even bought a blanket to cover the kids. Silas got one good afternoon in the pool and loved it. It was fun getting to wear shorts when everyone back home endured a snow storm and below zero temps.  :)