5 YEARS

Andrew had been counting down to this day for a long time. (It doesn't bother him at all to have a birthday close to Christmas, even though it stresses me out. I should try to remember that.) His special day happened to fall on a Saturday and it started with opening presents.

Do you think he was happy with what he got? Just a little! Andrew is so expressive and so genuine in his happiness. Look at that smile!

Checking out the details on his Ben 10 Alien Force game (similar to Perfection if you know what that game is) with Eden.

A picture of the sugar (over)load that day. Frosted Flakes for breakfast and a candy bouquet from Daddy.

We spent most of the day playing with his new toys, and enjoying the menu Andrew picked out:

Breakfast: Frosted Flakes

Lunch: Chicken Nuggets

Dinner: Fish & Chicken

(Andrew actually wanted to GO FISHING for his birthday, but I was able to convince him to have some of the trout from the freezer that the kids caught with Scott before he left. And then we ended up saving that dinner for another night because we snacked on junk during the day and had a late lunch, so no one was hungry!)

Snacks: mini Chips Ahoy! cookies

Ice Cream Cake: Berry Rainbow Sherbet with Vanilla Cookie Crust- no toppings, no coolwhip, just some Star Wars Heroes on top! (and 5 candles!)

The first time we sang, Andrew blew out the candles halfway through. So, this is from our second go at it.

He also got to have a 'friend party' at Chuck E. Cheese's a few days later, but we have no pictures. I completely forgot the camera! Oops! At least we do have some evidence that Andrew did indeed turn 5 this year. Happy Birthday buddy, we love you!