Celebrating Our 5 Year Old

Our sweet, loving, spirited, stubborn firstborn turned 5 on October 20th!  And what a 5 years it's been.  I could never have imagined what parenthood would be like.  Kai has taught me so much through his example about unconditional love, wonder, compassion, thankfulness and faith.  This year it has been especially amazing to watch him become a big brother.  After praying with such big, unwavering faith, he saw his prayers answered and still prays in almost every prayer of his for Anders...thanking God for his little brother and praying that God would "help Anders to grow bigger and stronger and love Jesus just like me".  My heart melts.

So, without further ado, here is a look at the many celebrations that were held in honor of 

Kai turning 5.  

We had a small party with friends in early October, hoping for good weather so we could do a dino-hiking theme.  Thankfully we had wonderful weather!

To begin, Dr. Bryon, paleontologist, led us on a Dino Egg Hunt.

Then we came back to the condo for some Dino Egg Smashing.

Gramma Sue was a huge help, but Anders didn't look too sure about sharing Gramma.

A bit chilly, but the kids were troopers and picnicked on the patio anyways.

Kai wanted to have a Dino Dirt Dessert Dig instead of cake.

On the weekend before his actual birthday we went with Gramma, Papa and Aunt Lisa to the dinosaur park in Morrison to explore the footprints and fossils.  

Kai shadowed our guide everywhere, soaking up his every word.

Finally, his birthday morning!  We did the Gamache tradition of following a string from your bed all over the house to your present.

Then Kai got his requested Stegosaurus chocolate chip pancake with 5 grapes for a 5 year old :)

Bryon and I both helped at preschool and Kai got to be the leader.

Family birthday dinner, made even better by Auntie Lisa's presence (and presents!).

And the celebrations ended with apple cake for dessert.

Phewf!  What a lot of celebrations, but well worth it for our big boy.

We love you Kai and can't wait to celebrate many many more birthdays with you!