Caden's 5th Birthday

On Monday, my baby turned five! I've been a mom for five years already. Crazy!

We started our celebration on Sunday with a trip to Little Amerricka. Every time we've gone this summer Caden has wanted to ride in the caboose, but someone always beats us to it. Not on Sunday! Caden's dream of riding in the caboose finally came true. :)

Quick to relax.

We also did the mini golf course for the first time. Caden's been asking every time we go, but I told him Daddy had to be with us.

Shepard is the funniest mini golfer ever. He gets this possessed attitude and it's hilarious.

Trying to teach him how to do it correctly while he was trying with all his might to keep doing what he wanted. (Shepard is so tiny!!)

Shadow family portrait. Wish I didn't look like such a fatty!

The mini ferris wheel is Caden's favorite ride (even though he hates heights so much he freaks out if Greg even lifts him up), but this was Shepard's first time. As they were standing in line, they were holding hands and Caden was reassuring Shepard it would be fun. Cutest thing ever.

Monday - Caden's actual birthday! First thing he wanted to do was open presents - what a surprise! Shepard was very enthusiastic about helping out.

A new puzzle. Everyone's been very into doing puzzles lately.

Lots of new school supplies and his very own bag of sunflower seeds. (Greg's and the boys' favorite snack.)

If you haven't noticed, September is kind of all about Caden. I think Shepard has taken notice this year and has been a little jealous.

Money! We're going to start giving Caden an allowance now that he's five. I'm not sure he really has any understanding of what that means yet. He's never had to buy anything on his own. Mostly he seems to think money is just a toy to be separated and sorted.

New piggy banks to spend, save, and give. He immediately had to get all his money and divide it equally among the banks.

Shepard getting angry that he can't open the presents by himself. And a slip 'n slide! I doubt it'll get warm enough to use it this year, but for $1 on clearance I couldn't resist.

This was Caden's big present, picked out by Daddy. It's his very first game console, an Ouya. It plays old games. At least that's what it seems like to me. I know (or care) nothing of video games. Caden was excited, though.

Snap Circuits Jr. I think this actually might be his favorite present of the day. Caden definitely inherited all of Greg's math and science genes.

One last present, picked out by Shepard. They've been watching Jake and the Neverland Pirates lately, so when we saw the game at Target it seemed perfect.

Birthday breakfast! Chocolate chip pancakes, bacon, and orange juice. After breakfast the guys just played the Ouya pretty much until Caden went to school. It was pretty boring...for me. I sewed all morning.

Last year for Caden's school treat I made monster brownie pops. I really wanted to make them again, but Caden insisted on cupcakes. So - monster cupcakes.

All ready for school with his treats!

After school we all picked him up and went to the park. Shepard ate one of the leftover cupcakes while Caden looked for acorns. I was trying to give him a little fresh air and freedom to run around, but I think he really just wanted to get back home to his presents.

Parents for five years! I barely remember what it's like NOT to be a parent.

I forgot to take a picture, but our dinner was steak and french fries, Caden's favorites. For his official birthday dessert I made this giant chocolate chip and sprinkle cookie. Caden wanted cake or cupcakes again, but I just couldn't do it. First of all, we've already had cupcakes three times in that week (including that afternoon at school!) and second of all...I don't really like cake. I couldn't handle it one more time. So - a cookie! I thought it turned out very festive. :)

Caden is master of the fake smile.

And that's it! Happy 5th birthday to my beautiful son. He's changed my life forever. :)