December 6th!!! Caden Turns 5!!!!!!!

Today was a fun-filled, exciting day! Caden woke up with a huge smile on his face and came to cuddle with me for a few minutes where we talked about how awesome it is to be 5 years old!! His daddy told him he could choose anything he wanted for breakfast, so of course he picked chocolate donuts. He and Daddy picked up donuts and made a donut picnic on the floor where the boys ate while watching cartoons. Grando and Necie arrived with Chic-Fil_A lunch a little bit later, with 2 really awesome presents - the Batcave the boys had been drooling over at Target for months, and the movie Kung Fu Panda - it was awesome. Caden actually said, "Ah Man!" as the first guest arrived because he had to stop playing with the batcave! He quickly regrouped and remembered why they were here! Dylan, Sarah, Brendan, and Corban arrived and the party began! They played pin the light-saber (glow stick) on Yoda; enjoyed cake, Yoda Soda, Wookie Cookes and Light Saber Snackers (dipped pretzel rods with sprinkles), then searched the yard for treasures (Play-doh and Star Crunches wrapped in foil) after a meteor shower! They played together really well and had a ball! Caden received some very nice presents and was appreciative and showed good manners. After the guests departed, we enjoyed more time with Grando and Necie - Grando battled with them and later, Necie took some great pictures we'll share when I can get them uploaded! They took us to Schlotzky's for dinner -yummy! We are so glad they were able to come! On our way home, Caden fell asleep and hasn't moved since - he cratered after a long day at 7:45! What a great day! Thanks to everyone who called, sent cards, emailed, etc. It means a lot to all of us that he is one very loved little boy!

I asked him just before he fell asleep what he was thankful for but he said he needed to think about it, and he fell asleep! Maybe he can be thankful for 2 things tomorrow!
Luke said he's thankful when his Daddy brings him stuff :)
I am thankful for Caden Joe today. I can't believe he is 5 years old! It really doesn't seem possible that it's been that long! 5 years ago we went from a very happy couple to a very happy family of 3! Now we are a very happy family of 5! Caden is such a special, unique kid! I'm thankful that in so many ways he is like his daddy! He is very intelligent, inquisitive, analytical. He loves all things science, from electricity to weather to volcanoes. He also loves to have fun - he has an incredible imagination that can magically change him into a pirate, superhero, police officer, dad, etc. He can be very intense and has so much energy! He loves to show me new exercises and yoga positions he's created. He wants to eat healthy food so he can grow bigger and stronger. He loves to run and jump and play...his asthma has been acting up again lately, but we're also thankful he has not had to go back to the hospital, and the breathing treatments he can take at home seem to help. He loves his sister - he liked her from day one, but he really warmed up to her shortly after. He likes to tell her secrets and he won't tell us what he tells her. He likes to help take care of her and kiss her (especially on her forehead) and hold her. He also loves his little brother. He loves having someone to share his adventures with. He loves music, nodding his head to the beat while we're listening to music in the car, but is not about performing. Don't even think about asking him to do hand-motions to a song! His favorite songs are Away in a Manger and Amazing Grace. Caden is a leader - he loves making up the adventure and telling Luke what his role needs to be. He loves to help, loves to surprise me, loves to be big. He is always wanting to learn. He has a true love of learning. He is working on learning how to read, can do simple addition in his head, is mesmerized by science. He has recently gotten over his shyness around adults, and can enjoy a conversation without being stressed. He is sensitive and has a very kind heart. He is a constant joy to be around and watch and be a mommy to! I love him dearly and am so thankful for the precious kid he is!

(Also, we are thankful for everyone who had a hand in making his party special - those who came, those who helped with party favors, ideas, etc, my precious friend who decorated the cake, those who dipped pretzels, those who held the crying baby sister, and to the sweet daddy that cleaned and prepared and played - you are awesome! Thanks for making today a very memorable one for our little boy!)

We'll post pics soon!