Nathan' 5th Birthday

On Sunday night after our Cripple Creek trip we had a family celebration at Grammy and Pop pop's house! The first present Nathan opened up - was Fiver. A family tradition, of a large bear, named Fiver, for the fifth birthday! Aunt Erin loved her Fiver and took it on most trips with us. She still has it to this day.

Nathan's other big gift was his Buzz Lightyear Big Boy Bicycle. His other one from 2 years ago was too small, and this 16" Huffy was perfect! He was so excited and insisted that Daddy and Pop pop put it together immediately. Thankfully it went together smoothly, despite the help with all the small hands to get in the way!

Earlier in the day Nathan had picked out an ice cream cake. He was so excited to place all
of his candles on it to blow them out. Drew on the otherhand, wasn't so excited for his brother.
At three years old, it was very difficult for him to understand that he was not the center of attention. He spent most of the evening pouting over what he didn't get, or what wasn't his. Nathan was very sweet and sharing with his brother and tried to console him each and every time. It's so sweet to see his tender heart.

Birthday morning Nathan woke up to a cowboy themed breakfast table. Since we have moved here all he has talked about is his cowboy birthday party. Sad that we didn't have enough friends to have a 'friend' birthday party, the least I could do was to give him a cowboy 'family' birthday party. He was so excited to see all of the decorations! The definite favorite though is the singing birthday bear. He and Drew both carted that thing around all day playing the birthday song! Man, I'm glad we only have four of these a year! If I hear that song one more time it'll be all too soon.

We haven't really celebrated Valentine's Day the last few years, not wanting to slight Nathan and his day. This year I did pull out a couple of decorations, as well as put up the Valentine's Chair backs Aunt Stephanie made for the boys. It was a cute decoration, and I loved being able to put neat little treats in there for both boys - so they didn't miss out on the Valentine's Day treats.




Later that evening, after gymnastics, we indulged in more ice cream cake and presents. It has been so special being able to celebrate birthdays and holidays with friends across the country. we have made some special, life-long friendships and the kids love getting cards and presents in the mail. It definitely adds a new dimension to our celebrations when we get so much mail!

Emma, Quin and Madi sent him his first G I Joe guy. It has been a hit all week long! They really are quite impressive! Aunt Beth sent him a new John Deere shirt, and Aunt Erin sent him some Tag reading books.




The next morning I found Nathan sitting in his room reading with his TAG reader. He sat there for almost an hour - reading! He loves being able to independently read.