Since our Peruvian friends were going to arrive on Austin's birthday, we wanted to make a big deal celebrating him during the few days before. So on Sunday evening, we went to our first family baseball game at the local stadium. The kids exceeded our expectations, making it through the 7th inning before we decided to leave while everyone was still happy. The big kids asked a lot of questions about the game, had fun trying to catch the t-shirts and frisbees that were thrown into the crowd, and really enjoyed their overpriced hot dogs.
We met some friends at a park on Monday morning and brought cupcakes so they could sing to Austin. There were more friends there, but I only caught these two photos of that morning.
On Monday night, we let Austin decide where he wanted to eat for his birthday dinner. He chose pancakes at our favorite diner.
Then on Tuesday, we had some errands to run and pulled out some Sonic gift cards the kids had been given. After a full morning of errands, we ate our special lunch outside, ending on milkshakes. The server seemed amused that we ordered one milkshake and 2 additional cups.
Austin requested carrot cake for his birthday, with blue icing. I thought it would be easy, even if unusual. So we make the cake and the frosting. Then he declares that he wants it be a "shipwrecked" themed cake (like the 2 VBS classes he had attended in August). We brainstormed a variety of easy ways to incorporate that idea without having to go to the store and buy anything. Then a friend mentioned that they made a raft out of food items as the snack one day. So Austin recreated the raft with items from our pantry and we put it on top of the cake. He was extremely satisfied.
It's so hard to believe that you are 5, Buddy! We are always amazed at how your brain works; you are a sponge for knowledge and connecting what you know. You ask the most thoughtful questions, trying to understand the world around you and how it works. While you are in a very difficult stage with behavior, you have the sweetest moments. In those moments I see the tenderness you have for your sisters and gentleness with little kids. Most of the time right now, however, you'll do anything to make everyone laugh, even if you know it will have negative consequences. You live for making others laugh. You hate being alone more than anything else; being alone in your room is the worst possible consequence I could give you. You are so content playing and reading independently, as long as you are in the same room as your family. You love games and puzzles, but don't want to solve them alone. You are the most physically affectionate of my three kids, still asking for snuggles and touch hourly. We are so grateful to have you in our lives!
