Luke's 6th Birthday

Luke's birthday fell on a weekday, when Ben was out of town, and the older kids had activities all afternoon/evening (literally starting at 4:15 we were running around to and from piano master classes, gymnastics, Cub Scouts, and YW). It was tricky to find a time to celebrate, and we were actually never together, though I tried to make that happen.  I planned to video chat with Ben early in the morning before school on Luke's birthday, assuming we'd at least all be together at 7am, not realizing that Cat would need to go to school early that day to make up a test she'd missed when she was out with her concussion.  Oh well.  Best laid plans.  I did detain her long enough for a picture with the birthday boy.  How do you like her unibrow?  It was Spirit Week at school and this particular day the theme was "Dress Like Art." Good thing Aunt Suz gave her this awesome shirt.  (P.S. We LOVE her nerd school.)

So once Cat left, the rest of us had fun watching Luke open presents, and we sang to him and had cupcakes for breakfast.

Later that morning I joined Luke's class to share treats (Rice Krispies Treats) and join in the birthday festivities.  They have a tradition of standing around the birthday child and singing a fun birthday song, then giving hugs.  And after the treats are handed out, they eat the treats while watching a book video on YouTube.  Luke chose Give Me Back My Dad by Robert Munsch.  His teacher also gave him a bag with a pencil, some little stickers, a homework pass, and a fun balloon.

When school was out, Luke wanted a playdate with a couple of his cousins.  So we picked up the two closest to Luke's age and headed to the playground.  It was a beautiful day to play outside.  Then we had lunch at Costco and went back to our house for a little more play time and (round two for Luke of) cupcakes before the boys' parents picked them up, and the older kids started arriving home from school.

The last birthday-ish thing was a festive frozen corn dogs and frozen fries dinner.  We sure know how to party in our family!

Luke is probably our most feisty and fiery child, but I think at least some of that comes with the territory of being the baby and having to keep up with the older kids and not let them push you around.  He can also be very sweet and mild-mannered, even shy around other people.  He's growing and learning so much, he expresses himself very well, and he's doing great in school - reading and doing math like a pro.  But he still loves to play and have fun and holds my hand in public, which is the best thing.  Hard to believe he's 6 already - but I think he'll rock it.