5 years...and some big news

Aiden turned 5 last week.  I can't believe he is 5 years old.  I know everyone says it, but it's true, time is going by so fast.  In the fall he'll be going off to kindergarten, and while I am super emotional about that, I am also a very proud Mama.  Aiden is a sweet boy, and watching him learn and grow over the past 5 years has been a blessing.  I am so excited to see how he does with his next journey in life.  He's so social and loves school, so I am eager to watch him blossom even more over the next year.

We celebrated with family last weekend, and of course I had to have somewhat of a theme, so I went with mustaches.

We decided to forgo the "friend" party this year and instead took Aiden and two of his best buddies bowling.  Aiden has been asking to go bowling for a long time now, and I think it lived up to all the anticipation.  They had a blast and Rob and I had so much fun with the 3 of them.  Doing things like this for Aiden bring me so much joy.  

It was a good birthday.

Unfortunately, we ended the week with the stomach bug.  Brady got it first and then Aiden and I followed.  Thankfully, Rob stayed healthy and was able to take care of the 3 of us.  Brady is still recovering, he hasn't bounced back as quickly as his big brother.

And now, for the big news...

Yup, that's our soon-to-be new house.  We're so excited.  More on that soon...

Party #2

I've been trying to write this post for a week now.  As promised, here are some pics from Aiden's family party a couple weeks ago.

I had so much fun with his birthday this year.  As I mentioned before, we made a big deal about him not being allowed to chew gum until he turned 4.  So, I decided to do a bubblegum theme.  Here's the excited birthday boy.

The most exciting thing I did was the cake....

It was surprisingly easy.  I found a picture online and then just went at it.  I baked a 9x13, cut it down, and a circle pan for the top.  I was super happy with the results.

I also did some special decorations.

A table full of gum...

I made this little garland with pics from each year of Aiden's parties.  My favorite is the first year...he screamed after we sang him Happy Birthday.

I found this idea on Pinterest.  You just thread a needle and put the balloons on.  So simple and looks great.  I will probably do this for every party now.

It was a great day.  

Here's Aiden's favorite gift from Uncle Richie and Aunt Nicole.

I love this picture...Aiden literally surrounded by people who love him a lot.  

Brady with his great-Grammy

Happy Birthday!

Love this kid.

4

I know I always use the excuse that life is crazy for not blogging, and it's true, but I've realized it's just life, and I'm not sure it's going to get any less crazy any time soon. 

So, the big deal around here recently is that Aiden turned 4 on Sunday.  I cannot believe he is 4.  I love this kid...

I have to admit that I have some guilt about his birthday last year.  If you remember, I was terribly sick with migraines from pregnancy.  It was probably the most difficult time of my life.  I know that sounds a bit dramatic, but to be so sick like that and not able to take care of my family, it was really difficult.  And these past few weeks have made me remember that time last year.  I remember having to cancel Aiden's friend birthday party because I was too sick.  I remember the day of his family birthday party, when we announced I was pregnant.  I got one of the worst headaches that morning and I remember sitting on the edge of our bed wondering how I was going to get myself downstairs.  I remember sending Aiden to school for his Valentine's party and feeling guilty about the lack of effort put into his Valentine's.  

Remembering that season in life, I feel overwhelmed with joy about the blessing that came out of that....

and I would definitely do it all over again.  But, I feel so blessed with where we are now, the family we have, and being healthy is an amazing blessing in and of itself.  

So, this year, I've decided to go all out for Aiden's birthday.  He really gets it this year, so it's been so fun to plan things with him and see the excitement he has.  He also is just so sweet and appreciative, which makes doing things for him so fun.

So last Saturday we had his "friend" party at the YMCA, and it was a success.  

He had a blast and we really enjoyed getting to see him with all his friends.  

I also was able to help out with Aiden's Valentine's Day party at school, which I loved doing.  He's growing up so fast.   I love seeing him interract with his teachers and peers.  I am a very proud mama.  

Tomorrow we are having family over to celebrate and I'm planning on doing a bubblegum-themed party because we made a big deal about Aiden not being allowed to chew gum until he turned 4.  He now asks for gum from the time he wakes up in the morning.

So, I'm hoping to be back soon with more pictures.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!