The B is 5!

I refuse to say that I dont have a baby anymore though my "baby" turned 5 today. 

Google Photos made this delightful video of Bennett from videos over his 5 years.  It made me cry...
Bennett's Five Years   *** If you have nursed a baby, did you lose the hair around your face?... obviously, I had side burns during my nursing days as is shown by the first clip.  Just count it as comic relief!

I told a couple friends the other night that the last 5 years have literally been a blur.  I know I have said time is flying, but, I seriously dont know how this baby turned 5.  I remember when Hunter turned 5... it seemed like such a big milestone.  And now, my baby is hitting that milestone.

Officially 5!!!!

I cant say he was excited about his birthday.  He has told me over the past few weeks that he didnt want his birthday to come- he liked being 4.  Last night as I was putting him to bed, I lean over and tell him, "I need my last 4 year old kiss."  He pokes out his lower lip, trying not cry.  He shakes his head no and then quickly kisses me.  I tell him "I need my last 4 year old hug."  His lower lip shakes, still trying not to cry.  He lunges to me, latches on and buries his little face into my neck.  He pulls away and a tear is running down his face... and mine.  I was fine until he cried.  He is my first kid who wasn't excited about his birthday.  His life must be pretty great! (I should add, he woke up this morning excited about his birthday and turning 5.  He is just an emotional kid.  He is the one who will cry during a movie...)

Bennett, you fit the youngest child stereotype pretty well.  I still help you get dressed in the morning and put your shoes on you though I know you can do it by yourself.  I baby you in a way that I never got the chance to do with your brothers.  You are not overly independent and really enjoy being served.  Our goal this spring is to get me to back off!  haha

Being silly at soccer practice

Your speech is getting a little better. But, I anticipate at least 3 years of speech in your future.  We have started doing the Reading Lesson together at night.  We only do one page a night but I am really proud of how well you are doing. I love the way you are starting to connect the letters into words.  I can see little lightbulbs going off!

You love dinosaurs, Bayblades, the Nintendo Switch, your Kindle, snuggling on my lap, playing with your brothers, riding your bike, Pokemon cards, coloring, writing letters, and asking a million questions. 

Your Preschool Christmas program... you were like a deer in the headlights.  So shy all of a sudden.

You are the most affectionate child.  Whether it is full on hugs or just wrestling with your brothers, you love to be loved on.  You fight a good bit with your brothers and we have to constantly remind you not to hit or just pat butts.

Oh, those boys!  

You are going to play your first season of soccer this spring and are quite excited.  I convinced you not to play last season but you really want to complicate my life... j/k... play like your brothers.

He loves me and I him!

You are a bright spot in my day and I love you so very much!

Happy birthday my little completer.  You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
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Birthday celebrations.

So, it is ridiculously cheap if I count Owen and Caelum's birthday time as Bennett's birthday time as well?  My 2 nephews both have January birthdays as well and we got to go up to their house and we do laser tag and putt putt.  So, thanks Uncle Zach and Aunt Anna for funding Bennett's party as well... haha!

Air Hockey with Esme

All taking turns on the motorcycle

Playing the Jurassic Park with Caelum

We also had book club at Jodi's house last night and sang and celebrated Bennett. 

A slew of boys... and Karson! These are our people!

He woke up this morning and at the prompting of 2 of the 3 brothers, tore into this birthday presents.

Bennett is into dinosaurs right now... so, dinosaur cake made sense along with some cupcakes.

 

His birthday loot- Beyblades, legos, and a new soccer ball.  

Our Christmas Break

Christmas break was simply amazing and productive and energizing.  I think I was feeling a bit run down with working and getting the boys where they need to be and keeping the house running and even "vacation."  This seasonal break came at the perfect time. We hung out with friends, saw tons of family, had no practices and hung out together- It was delightful.

Didnt post any pictures of my slightly decorated house but here is my 12 year old tree!!!

With the New Year on us and school starting back up, I at least feel refreshed.

The first week of the break was, as usual, packed with family get togethers.  I honestly did not take many pictures just enough to document.  

Pre Christmas get togethers with Chad's family.

Christmas Eve Eve meet up at Sandee' house

Grandma opening her gift from us.  I found, thanks to mom, these beautiful wind chimes that have the most calming sound.  Each set is handtuned to a different key- these are to E.

Selfie with 3 of the 4.

Papa Hub's newest addition- I call her Jamie- it seems everyone has there own name for her though.

At our house Christmas morning...

Present time- Moses loved his stocking!

Diggin in .

Post Christmas activities at my parent's house.

This was a bit rushed as 3 of Zach's 4 kids had fevers, coughs... they quickly opened presents and then headed home.  Thankfully, they were able to come back to down on the 29th so the kids could all hang out

Queenie looking overwhelmed!  :)

For Christmas, I focused on getting the upstairs den looking good and being a fun space for the boys.  We got a new loveseat and left the rocker up there.  As a gift, we gave the boys a big TV that we will mount in the closet.  I painted the closet the dark iron ore color to make is feel a bit more seamless.  My mom and dad got the boys a Nintendo Switch- to say they love it would be a gross understatement.  Hub and Patsy got them a bunch of the accessories and games.  Finally after 6 months, they are using the upstairs den as I had imagined! 

Closet before

Closet after paint... boys playing on new TV with the Switch.

We also revamped the workout room.  Had to move some things around but love this space now... you know it is good when Shepherd decides it is worth working out!  A mounted smart TV makes running much more appealing.

We have also been quite busy reading some really good boys- that, though, is for another post.  It has been awhile since I have done a book post, so hopefully soon....

They also got walkie talkies, books, clothes, money, and a few toys.  Thankfully, they are moving out of the toy stage.  The only toys I bought this year were 3 mid-size lego boxes!  

The second half of break was so productive.  Mom, Nolan, and I went car shopping.  No, I havent bought anything yet but maybe getting close.  I hate car shopping!  Mom and I also went furniture shopping where we nabbed a couple good deals from a furniture place that is closing.  The inside of my house is really started to feel complete.  Of course I still have many wants (new kitchen and bathroom countertops, kitchen island, but I am really content with the progress we are making.

This was in the furniture store.  Mom bought the couch and I bought the loveseat! 

The oversize chair in the back corner was one of my finds!  We all love and fight over it.  It has made this room so usable!  I actually spilled coffee on it after having it for maybe 18 hours.  Thankfully I went with this color and not the cream so it did not stain!

Moses has deemed it as his dog bed!

My dad came over and gave me 2 full days of helping me do things around the house.  We hung 3 ceiling fans, mounted TVs, medicine cabinet/ mirror, hung shelves and heavier stuff that I wasnt confident to hang.  I bought a new mattress for Hunter's room and moved his old one to Ashtons since Ash decided we didnt want to sleep on the twin top bunk.  So, we moved thing around but everyone is happy with the changes. I was able to put our old queen headboard to use again- in Hunt's room and Shepherd took Hunt's old headboard.  I will post more pics of the boys rooms soon.  I am still hunting for bedding for Ashton's room and Hunter's room.  

Chad and his dad picked up said furniture and cut down 9 trees in the yard.  So, they were also busy.  We hunkered down in the house the last couple days due to the frigid temperature! brrrr.

It is now back to the grindstone.  The boys are just doing sooo good in school.  Like they are seriously all going to be smarter than me.  This is always the hardest stretch--- it feels like the 3rd lap in a mile.  We just need to pace ourselves.  

I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and Happy  New Year and sorry that i didnt get Christmas cards out this year.  It is the first time that I missed that deadline.  I still think I may do a New Year's card... maybe!