Afterall, 5 *IS* a pretty big number!

Josiah turned 5 about a week and a half ago and, wow, what a round of celebrations we had! Josiah made a remark about 5 being a pretty big number and after all the fun we've had celebrating our little pistol, I believe he's right!

Round #1: Mamma's house over Mother's Day weekend. Eric's sister and her family were in town for the holiday so we decided to sneak in a couple of gifts and some cupcakes for Josiah while we were at it.

(Classic reaction upon receiving his very first gift card!)

Round #2: May 24th, his actual birthday. Birthdays for the younger crowd in this house always being with a TON of balloons! He carried that bunch of balloons around the house with him all morning. Then it was time for a few gifts and a yummy birthday breakfast of banana pancakes, courtesy of Daddy.


"Hmmm...I wonder what these batteries could be for?"


"Oh yeah, baby! A remote controlled Jeep!"


Eric makes the best banana pancakes around! And some nicely shaped numbers, too!

Round #3: The day wasn't over on May 24th...we headed up to Mamma's again with a friend of Josiah and Faith's (Hi, Ty!) and had a BBQ complete with chocolate cherry cake, a few more presents and plenty of playing outside.

"YES! A(nother) Bionicle! Thanks, Ty!"


Tyson excels in putting these things together...


...and was kind enough to work with Josiah to put his together.


Round #4: After discovering that one of the ladies in my bible study group has a son who's turning 5 within a week of Josiah, we decided a little more celebrating was in order. This time, thanks to the rainy forecast, we moved our park date into Chuck E Cheeses and had a grand time playing games until the coins ran out. *lol* Josiah and Jake had a great time playing together! Happy 5th Bday to you too, Jake!





And finally...Round #5: This year, because of lots of things on our plate, we decided to set aside the big party and instead do an intimate celebration for which Josiah could bring one friend along. We decided to take our very first train trip on the Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway. It was a blast! Josiah brought along a friend of he and Faith's, Brandon, and together the three of them explored everything from the engine to the caboose.

Now, after 5 celebrations of one kind or another, ALMOST all of them including cake in one form or another, I think we can officially say, "A Happy 5th Birthday to Joe-man!" *whew*