Five Years Old

Samuel turned five years old last week. It was an exciting milestone for everyone. I can't believe Samuel has been in our lives for five years. As always, on one hand it seems five years has flown by but on the other hand I can't really remember life without Samuel.

This year Samuel's birthday was not limited to a one-day celebration. Due to scheduling and other various reasons, we celebrated Samuel's birthday six different times. Here's a quick rundown--

Supper Co-op: We were scheduled to have supper co-op at our house so we baked some brownies and san happy birthday! While not just his birthday it was by far the largest party!

Bernice & Joe's: Samuel had a most marvelous day at school on his actual birthday. He was calendar kid, it was bagel day and he got to bring in brownies to share. He was flying high from such excitement.

Family celebration: On Samuel's actual birthday we celebrated with just our family. We all decorated the house, enjoyed Samuel's favorite meal (chinese chicken salad) and had milkshakes.

Badgett/Ostrander party: Samuel requested Chinese food so we got take out and celebrated with the extended family.

Claassen party: Samuel's requested a meal out with Grandma & Grandpa. He chose his favorite restaurant and then enjoyed left-over cake at home.

Friends Stomp Rocket party: This year Samuel requested a party in the redwood park with stomp rockets. This is not easily accomplished with a February birthday. Despite a bit of fog and cooler than ideal temperatures we persevered and had a February party in the park complete with bbq hot dogs (thanks m&d), stomp rockets, baseball and some hide-n-seek. He had a great time with about 8 friends from school.

Samuel at five

Samuel continues to be an amazing little boy full of love, life and laughter. He adds such joy to our family

He has a pretty serious side always thinking, processing and trying to figure out the world

Has developed an interest in the larger world--likes looking at maps and trying to understand where people live and where places are in relation to us

Continues to be a VERY sensitive kid. If he thinks (or is told) he made a bad choice he dwells on it for a long time. He fills himself with guilt and then gets very down on himself. 

He can take things and himself way too seriously--a little side of Kevin shining through

He is still a mama's boy--preferring mom in most situations and still needing a fair amont of cuddle time in the morning.

Is seeking independence and testing his boundaries. In familiar places he likes to run ahead out of our sight--althought out of our site for too long still scares him

Plays amazingly well with Oliver showing huge amounts of patience while trying to including Oliver

Likes to craft, sew and make things from items in our recycling bin

LOVES learning and sharing new knowledge

Continues to be cautious both physically and socially. Samuel spends tons of time observing new situations before attempting them himself. He also is slow to warm to new people or places.  

Is very detail oriented