The first celebration was his birthday circle at school. He'd been excited for it for months, and told me ages ago that he needed to bring a dessert and photos of him at each year, and that one/both of us could join him in the circle. I assumed it was just a quick little show & tell, a quick round of Happy Birthday and that was it; however, I was pleasantly surprised at what a big deal they make of it. And now it makes so much more sense as to why he's been so eager for it.
First, he got to be the helper turning the lights off/on, passing out cupcakes, etc. Then his teacher lit a candle which was the 'sun' and Jackson, holding the globe, walked around the sun while the class sang a song about how the earth travels around the sun and how long it takes ("1 year/12 months/365 days"). He did that five separate times (to signify each year of his life) and after each round, he'd show a photo of himself from that year. At the end, they had me talk about his actual birthday and then the class sang happy birthday, he blew out the 'sun' and then was able to take the first bite. Through the whole event, I was able to sit next to him in the circle and he just loved it. He kept looking over with an excited smile and holding my hand. It was the best.
On Saturday, we continued a tradition we started last year, by taking J out to breakfast (his favorite meal) at Salish Lodge. Gramma Joan watched Cole so that we could have a date with just Jackson. Before we went into the restaurant, we checked out the falls, which he was so impressed by. Once settled inside, we ordered the kid's breakfast again, which is a four course meal of all of his favorite foods, and just like last year, he was in absolute heaven. Breakfast wrapped up with a slice a cake they brought him complete with another candle to blow out. Our meal was amazing, and it was such a special treat for all of us to get solo Jackson time.
That afternoon was the big friend party at Kidz Bounce. It was the first year we invited everyone in his class, plus many of our friends. With 22 kids and even more adults, we knew it would be chaotic an adventure, but thankfully, it all went so smoothly. It was awesome to have a party host on hand, who coordinated everything - decorations, the pizza, room set-up/clean-up, packing up our gifts, rounding the kids up for dinner and then later dessert, etc. All we had to do was bring in the cake, any other food or drinks we wanted, and party favors. The kids had a great time, including Cole, who despite falling and bonking his head in the middle of the shindig (though it was nothing a few minutes of cuddles and a cookie couldn't fix).
Goofing around before heading to Kidz Bounce. Jackson helped pick out matching shirts for he and Cole to wear to the party.
Coley photobomb (though he was trying to get in on the selfie)
Jameson (above) and Romi (below) are old friends from Rainbow School
When we got home, the boys got ready for bed and then opened presents. Jackson very kindly let Cole help open a few presents, which Cole thoroughly enjoy. Jackson received so many fun and thoughtful gifts from his friends, and has loved coming home from school all week to play with them. Even Daddy and Grampa love (and have spent time playing with) some of the loot!
During his freetime one night, Jackson, who is still very much a mama's boy, asked specifically for Daddy to play with him. Adorbs!
On Sunday, we rounded out Jackson's birthday with what he called his "adult" party (i.e. his grandparents and Consuelo). We had lunch at Red Robin per his request, where they brought him a birthday sundae and sang to him. Then we returned home for more presents.
Among other fun things, he received a certificate good for a Remlinger Farm trip with my parents, and a strawberry shortcake cooking class with Gramma Joan, both of which he's ecstatic about.
It was extra special to watch him open cards and presents this year, as he could read what was written on the cards.
His new big boy desk and chair from us
Birthday morning hugs from Cole
It's been nearly a week and I still can't quite believe he's FIVE. I honestly don't know how the years have passed to quickly but I do know that I love this smart, caring, thoughtful little boy to pieces. He is just. the. best.
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