5 years and counting

Can we take a mommy moment of silence for the fact that this boy is 5 years old?! I mean I know how it happened, I was there for every good, bad and in between day of it. Still, it seems surreal that we've got an upcoming Kindergartener on our hands. I'm just not ready for the next stage of legos(insert scary music here!).

As this is the year of no birthday "party-parties," the festivities were low key, stress free and perfectly delightful-with a cherry from Fro Yo on top! Earlier this week I brought in birthday cupcakes-chocolate and Transformer themed per special request-to his preschool class. He was beaming for most of that day I know he felt so special to wear his super cool birthday sticker and be serenaded Happy Birthday by his sweet school friends.

On Saturday, which was his actual birthday, I planned a family birthday dinner with special guests Gigi and Poppi. On the menu were his favorite foods-barbeque chicken on the grill, strawberries, blueberries, sweet corn on the cob and peas(because I made him pick something green). After dinner he was thoroughly spoiled with presents-transformers, legos, an optimus prime costume, books and fun games from family. Our boys are so well loved, and I don't take it for granted. The present opening resembled more of a tornado of sorts, he whizzed from present to present so fast-I know he was jumping in his skin(figuratively and literally) to know what was underneath each colorful package and bow! No doubt we'll take some time to really enjoy each present once the birthday jitters wear down. 

Next was dessert at Cheerio, a local FroYo place. Both boys went for the strawberry lemonade sorbet mixed with cake batter and topped with all sorts of gummy delights. FroYo was a first for Gigi and Poppy and I'm happy to say they were quick converts-Gigi even went for seconds! :-)

We were sad to miss Grandma, but had a wonderful pre-birthday celebration with her earlier this month in Washington D.C. We rode the "fast trains," toured the Dinosaur aka Smithsonian and Air & Space museums, ate our weight in Easter candy and even caught a fun swim at the hotel pool.

All in all a great time celebrating this first born boy of ours. Happy birthday love, I can't wait for all of our adventures in Kindergarten that wait before us!

Let the games begin!

Today was opening day for our city's baseball and soccer programs, and Bennett's very first kick into sports.

The morning started off bright, cool and early with another great opening ceremony for the baseball teams. Of all the things Wilson may lack, a great sports program is not one of them. I'm continually impressed by the community investment and the volunteer/sponsor efforts every year. Evan is on team "building blocks" this year in the big boy leagues, and I think it'll be a great season of learning for him.

After Opening Ceremony we hopped over to the soccer fields for Bennett's first "smart start" practice.

To be honest I was on the fence about starting the Bennett bear in soccer this season. After we had Evan playing baseball at 2/3 yrs we decided we were cukoo cukoo for cocoa cocoa puffs and that we wouldn't have our kids play sports until at least age 4 or 5. And then came Bennett...what can I say, he's a sporty kind of dude. Plus, bless his soul I couldn't imagine him sitting through all of Evan's games and practices this season without something of his own. All of that to say, I'm happy to report we made the right decision-he had so much fun!!!

And, I was super impressed-though not surprised- at how well he did keeping up and after the ball. He definitely has more of an aggressive(in a good, take initiative sort of way) athletic bent and this is a great outlet for him. The program is totally age appropriate and a great introduction to the basic skills of soccer through super fun stations and an awesome team of mentors and coaches. Plus it's just plain adorable. And, we get to enjoy it with friends which is always a bonus!

 (This pic above was taken by my friend Kaylene-thanks for capturing the moment!)

Bennett was our little soccer star of the morning and was glowing in his Campbell orange jersey. :-) I may be biased but he's got some pretty cool skills for a 3 year old, and I can definitely see more soccer in our future! After his practice we headed over to finish the day with baseball. I was so proud of Evan in his game for trying his best, having a good attitude and flying solo without mommy on the field.

Needless to say, our morning was full and exhausting, but these boys had a ball!

This is their "excited about Roo cups" faces.  Both boys got one for being part of their programs this year, I see many slurpee runs this summer!

#momofboys