Celebrating Papa!

We didn't make a huge deal of Papa's birthday but invited over a few neighbors for food and drinks.  Everybody brought a little something from pasta salad to sangria.  It's amazing how 'a few neighbors' can feel like lots of people when you get kids involved.  The kids tore around inside and out while conversations were had and another year was celebrated.  

It turned out to be a great little, laid-back party...the kind that prompts after-the-fact questions like "how did this underwear end up here?" But, not in that 20-something way more in that underoos kind of way.  Oh yes, times have changed.  Wild party means something different these days.

But, despite the underoos incident it was the kind of neighborly party that makes us reflect on just how lucky we are to quietly celebrate our everyday events in the company of great people in our great town. It's hard to deny that we found a great little pocket of New Jersey to settle into.

Papa had a Birthday!

The big birthday meal has become a big tradition in our house with the birthday boys choosing their own menu and picking cake or cupcake.  Much deliberation is required over these decisions, don't you know! 

So, when Papa's birthday rolled around and he asked for cake we had to get to it! 

And, that involves a lot of taste testing, of course, we would never want to make someone a bad birthday cake! Never, ever! 

Our big secret this year (and trust me it was very, very difficult to keep!) was that we planned to write out Papa's birthday age in M&M's on the cake! The boys took the task very seriously.  I traced the number in the icing and Callum painstakingly set the M&M's in place.  Good thing he had Jude's close supervision.  

Oh, these two boys do love a birthday celebration! Birthdays really do take on a new level of excitement and joy when these two are around to help us remember what a big deal a birthday is.  I mean, if you have only ever had 5 birthdays it's hard to imagine being in the late-30s and sometimes forgetting your age altogether!  I think this is what they mean by kids keeping you young.  

Mother's Day Hike 2012

We have gone hiking every Mother's Day since that was a relevant concept in our lives.  This year Cal picked the hike and off we went with butterfly nets and binoculars in beautiful weather.  

We got really lucky this year and saw all manner of critters.  Cal spotted the first one...a tiny little turtle that were it not for his careful eye I am sure we would have walked right past this little guy.  I was just as excited as they were to see him.

The water was low enough that we got to walk over the top of a dam and explore a whole new part of the hiking area.  Both boys found that really exciting but especially Jude because it felt very 'big boy' to him.

As we were relaxing here (watching the waterfall created by the dam) we noticed a family of snakes.  Kieran and I were both really wary of them but the boys couldn't wait to get closer and see more.  New Jersey isn't exactly known for poisonous snakes so we were trying to let them explore without being spooked but keep enough distance to stay safe (just in case).  We even watched the snakes crawl through the rocks and swim in the water.  Callum was loving watching them and wouldn't leave the area until we couldn't find them anymore.  Kieran and I kept trying to gently encourage them to keep hiking mostly because we weren't crazy about the snakes...but they would have none of it.  Later K and I decided that we, ahem, aren't exactly "snake people".  To say the least.  They boys are, though, that much is clear.

We also saw chipmunks, inchworms, and loads of butterflies.  It was a critter heavy hiking day.  In general, the boys were so at ease.  Cal is especially confident and happy in the woods.  We have to watch both of them a little bit because they feel so comfortable they will scramble up a hill and explore before we realize where they are. 

Cal was really proud of this, he made a chair out of an exposed tree root.  Look at that face! I mean, what more could a mama want on her special day? It almost makes up for millions of times I have to say "BOYS! SORT IT OUT OR SEPARATE!" 

Mother's Day Tea

Every year the boy's preschool puts together a Mother's Day tea...the idea is that the boys plan and execute it themselves.  This was the first year that both boys were involved as they are now at the same school.

Callum took the tea very seriously getting me drinks of water and a plate of food.  Jude just kept saying "I love my mommy" but completely forgot his 'serving duties'.  Either way, they were both excited and proud. It was fantastic.

{with some of our 'besties'}

They had also prepared a song and made gifts.  It really is a wonderful morning even if it does get them a little anxious in the afternoon because they hate having their routine so shook up.  But, a Mother's Day event to remember.

Cal's Birthday Party!

They ran wild, really and truly, around our local Y. Jumping in the bouncy house, on the trampoline, and on the many, many cushion pads in between grabbing bites of pizza and eating Lego cupcakes.  It was a blast for everyone even with a few head bumps in the mix.  

Celebrating 5 is like that. 

Turning 5 is a festive occasion.

Before the big party with all our friends from school we celebrated Cal's big 5th birthday at home with his favorite foods...pesto pasta and spanikopita.  It's strange but true.  There was, as always, lots of chocolate cake to follow...to cancel out all that green stuff. 

He is really feeling and acting bigger these days.  Eager to help, lots of big ideas to discuss (some that are hard to handle like LIFE and DEATH. ugh.) and lots of courage to try some new things. 

He really enjoyed his gifts, every single one,  he was as excited about new markers and a set of binoculars as he was about his legos and new go kart (!).  

He couldn't wait to dive into his 'science wizard' kit from grandma.  He wanted to be a scientist JUST LIKE PAPA.  Jude sat alongside pouring vinegar onto baking soda.  

Definitely felt like a "5 moment". 

Thanks to everyone that made his day special with great new books, new toys and phone calls.  He loved all of it, even if he was too busy to chat.  

5!

Today this guy turned 5.  He took the news in stride with a hint of pride, some really nice big brotherly love, pretty decent patience for gifts and cake, and a need for complete control of all decision-making.

As parents, the story is a little different.  5 feels big! 5 feels like a milestone!  How can he be 5! I think we are freaking out more than he is about it to be honest.

But, either way...Happy Birthday beautiful guy.