Parker's 5th Birthday

We had a very busy few days celebrating Parker's 5th Birthday! His birthday fell on a Monday this year. That meant he would be at preschool for the majority of the day. To make the day special, I sent a chocolate cake to preschool for them to celebrate. It was actually another boy's birthday at preschool too! So Parker and Caleb both got to celebrate turning 5 at school. Their teacher, Ms. Carissa, made a poster for them and all the kids signed it.

The cake for preschool

Left to right: Gwyn, Elijah, Caleb, Parker, Declan, Braxton

Parker's piece of cake at school

That evening, Parker received his gifts from us. Isabelle gave him a Tsum Tsum stuffed toy (three peas in a pod). Seth picked out a toy bear for Parker to add to his animal collection. And from us he received a set of MagnaTiles (all pictured below).

For his birthday dinner, Parker chose to go to Big Boy. He was excited to let our server know that it was his birthday.

On our way home we stopped for frosties at Wendy's. Parker had a great day and was so excited to turn 5!

On Friday, as part of "Birthday Week",  Parker and I went to Build A Bear. This was Parker's first time there and he picked out a black and white dog to make. He used his own money that he had saved.

Stuffing the dog

Here he is!

Bathing the dog

Heading home

Parker named his new friend Happy Smile Dog. The name seems pretty appropriate!

While at the mall, Parker picked out a double doozey cookie for a treat. We had a fun afternoon together.

Saturday, we had a birthday party for family. Both sets of grandparents, Cathy, Steve, Jacob and Christy were able to help us celebrate. Parker is really interested in trains and outer space. For his party, we decided on a train theme. You can tell from the pictures how happy and outgoing he was the entire day!

Thomas cake

Opening presents

Aunt Cathy

Grandma Diane and Grandpa Clyde

Grandpa Steve and Grandma Barb

Aunt Christy

Playing with the new train

On Sunday, Parker invited some friends to celebrate with him at a candy shop in Grove City called The Lollipop Stop. 2 friends from preschool (Declan and Elijah) and 2 friends we have known for a couple of years (Derrick and James) were able to come. When the kids arrived, we had them color a picture. This was an awesome picture that Shane drew of The Lollipop Stop! The owner asked to keep a copy of it.

Here's Seth's finished picture:

Each kid got to pick out a flavor of ice cream and add candy toppings and sprinkles to it. We also had brownies for them. They loved it!

Next, Parker opened presents.

Opening presents

James (blurry), Derrick, Parker, Elijah Seth and Declan

Finally, each kid got to fill a goody bag with candy. As you can see, there were many, many kinds of candy to choose from.

Picking out candy

It was another great day for Parker!

At age 5, Parker likes trains and outer space (as mentioned previously), and he likes to build things. His favorite color is white and his favorite season is winter and he says his favorite animal is dogs. He loves stuffed animals and watching "The Magic School Bus" cartoon. He has become pretty outgoing and he loves to snuggle, give hugs, laugh, sing, dance and go just about anywhere. He likes to help with things like doing the dishes, folding laundry and feeding the cats. Parker is just a great kid with a sweet demeanor and loving heart.