Jacob is 5!!!!

Yesterday Jake turned 5. He thought for sure he was starting kindergarten and was very frustrated that I refused to drop him off at the elementary school.

We actually started celebrating this past weekend. Grandma Amy and Papa came for a visit and stayed Friday through Sunday. No sooner were they out of the car than Jake had them convinced to go for a ride on the four wheeler with him as the driver! I'm happy to report all went well.






Saturday Jake wanted to play at Monkey Business, but of course they were closed. So, it was off to the next best thing--Bounce. Since we had just been there for the twins birthday the novelty had worn off a bit, but Justin still had to be removed kicking and screaming when it was time to leave.

After Bounce it was off to Red Robin. Jake remembered that they "sing you a really nice song there", and decided that is exactly what he wanted. If I could just freeze the look on his face when they started singing happy birthday to him, I would never frown again. It was priceless.

We opened presents while we were at Red Robin. It was very exciting because for the first time Jake knew what he wanted for his birthday. In prior years, we could have wrapped up anything and he would have been thrilled. At the age of five he is finally excited about playing toys, movies, trucks, and loves to ride his bike, so gifts were easy to think of and easy to find. His one request was for a Chevy remote control vehicle, and if you can believe it, it isn't even broken yet.

So, yesterday was his actual birthday. Travis has started the tradition of taking the kids to lunch on their birthday. He and Jake invited me to go along. Guess where Jake decided to go? Red Robin! You know, they sing you a really nice song there.

While we were waiting for our lunch, Travis asked me what we were having for dinner. I told him Jake wanted steak. Travis suggested we go out. Jake suggested we go to....RED ROBIN!



Instead, we grabbed sandwiches and had a picnic in the park. Jake has recently discovered how to pump his legs on the swing and loves the big swings at the park.

After the park we invited Garretts over for cake and ice cream. I can't believe Jake is 5!

Jake is fun. There is no better word to describe him. He keeps everyone around him laughing. He loves people, he loves trucks, and he loves to work. Jake has recently started taking an interest in what he wears and much to his dad's delight this always includes dark jeans and either rubber boots or cowboy boots. We are grateful Jake's inhibition--it is who he is. This Sunday we were just commenting on how much better Jake is doing at focusing his inhibition into good. Come to find out he had broken into Garretts house while they were gone just that afternoon. So, we continue to work with him--never trying to take away from his spunk but instead focus it in better directions. I am so glad Jake finds the joy in every little aspect of life, because it teaches me to do the same. He is never grouchy and wow what an imagination. We love you Jake and are so blessed to have your sweet, strong, spunky spirit, as a part of our family!!!