Our precious boy is five today. He's such an amazing little kid and we are incredibly blessed to call him ours. I think that if Benett could speak, he would agree that Jonah is beyond exceptional as far as big brothers go.

At this point, Jonah's favorite things include Thomas the Train and Friends, playing outside, the park (indoor or outdoor will do!), crafts and baking. But like any kid, as long as he has your undivided attention, he is happy. He can read most things on his own, count to 100, backwards from 10, print and spell most anything, and has the most amazing memory I have ever seen in a kid his age. To say his strength still remains in the academics would be an understatement.
Just like the last 4 years, he is still sweet as can be, laid back, and very well behaved - again, comparatively speaking! Sure, he has a silly streak and isn't afraid to show it, but all in all, I think we'll keep him. ;)

Yesterday, Jonah had his first "friend" party. It went very well and our little boy was so excited, it was just adorable. It was so neat to see him get "big kid" toys as he is in the next age category for toys, the 5-8 yr old group. He got his first Lego kit which he loved, a Nerf set, Mater cars, a Toy Story art kid, and some Power Ranger/ transformer type thing. Here is a photo of his cake - he requested a cherry Charlie the train cake. Nice. For a mom who'd never decorated a cake, I was quite proud of myself and it tasted SO good. I think Jonah thought the sparkler '5' was pretty neat too.




And so this morning, he woke up. Five years old. We made him his usual breakfast request, but with a heap of strawberries on top. He was happy, I can assure you!



It's nothing new, but always such a shock to see a year go by so suddenly. And this last year, he really grew into such a big boy. He has a sudden interest in all things scientific and mechanical. He is more than ready for kindergarten - possibly grade one - as he is beyond bored at school and the teachers even feel challenged to keep him interested. He has grown leaps and bounds with his goals at school, including learning how to ride a bike.

And so, it was only fitting that we got him one for his birthday. We took him to try some out and I was so proud, watching him guide his way through the obstacles of the bike store with such ease. You'd never have known watching him that this time last year, he was still struggling with a tricycle. He tried on an orange helmet that he just had to have as well as a matching orange bell. We felt it was only fitting that Grampa, the safety man, got it for him for his birthday, so thanks Dad!

Happy birthday, Jonah! We love you SO much!