Friday, September 3, 2010

The fifth birthday...


We're nearly a month past, but that doesn't mean that it's too late to share some memories of Max's 5th birthday. Well, maybe birthdays is more accurate. We do birthday parties every other year in this house (this year is Luke's, next year is Max's), so on these smaller celebrations we have celebrated with both sides of the family at different times.


Max's actual birthday fell at the end of our week at the beach. With the marvelous help of Aunt Carrie we decorated the living and dining area of the house the night before, and he was thrilled to come upstairs to the surprise of pirates and balloons. Then he and I hopped in the car (in his pajamas - a real treat) and went to the donut shop. The day was spent at the beach and playing Frisbee in the backyard. By request of the birthday boy we had pizza for dinner, and he got to open his gifts.



His second birthday was a couple of days later when my parents came up to celebrate with us. We opened gifts and were joined at Montage (a local restaurant that serves many types of macaroni and cheese - Max's favorite) by GiGi (my grandma) and her boyfriend, Jack, and my uncle and his friend. It was so nice to have everybody join us, and Max just reveled in the attention.



If there were one word to describe Max's birthdays, that word would be LEGOS. He has been in love with them for a while now (that will have to be a whole other post), and he was very clear that he hoped that is what people would get him. To put it mildly, he was not disappointed. In fact, last week he finally finished building the last of his birthday gifts. He even got a cool Lego soccer watch from Aunt Carrie.

Seriously, though, I can hardly believe I have a five year old. Time has gone so quickly, and I am having so much fun with the person he is growing into. He is a sensitive soul with a wicked laugh. He still loves to cuddle with anyone who will hold him (although he holds a special place for all of his grandparents), but is hard pressed to stay still for too long. He loves to ride bikes and scooters (another birthday gift), play basketball, and read. Conversations with adults come easily for him, and he'll chat anyone up. He is starting Kindergarten this year, but is staying at his Montessori school. He and Luke love playing together and Ollie and Eli are his best buddies. We are so proud of him.

I can't wait to see the joy and changes that being 5 brings!

2 comments:

Marian Young said...

How I treasure watching him as he grows! A wonderful boy! He has amazing parents loving and guiding him! Love you all so much!

Marilee said...

I have been sad at times knowing that our babies are getting older and may not be as willing to crawl into bed and cuddle with the "old folks". However, each year has brought so many new joys and unexpected changes that I don't stay sad for long. The other grands are fortunate to have Max paving the way in such a positive fashion. We are totally and completely hooked on being grandparents.