Turning 5...

And just like that, the baby of the family is 5.  Seems hard to believe.

To celebrate Owen and I had a special day to enjoy his last day of being 4.  We had about an hour to squeeze in something fun and he really wanted to go paint pottery.  We got to the mall and the pottery painting place had closed...the next closest one was too far away in the time we had so I had to think of something quick.  I bought some time with a little fro yo, then we decided on build a bear.

And topped it off with a fun but totally unnecessary ride in the elevator (for the record he rides in the elevator at my office multiple times a week, but something about the one in the mall being glass I guess, I don't know but its a huge treat!)

The night before his birthday Scott had a game so we enjoyed our snacks and view from the cheap seats together!

Then birthday morning....

We started with a  big breakfast, because...Owen.  Complete with sprinkles and a candle in his pancakes.

Then he was off to school to celebrate with his friends and teachers.

While he was there Auntie Andy and I got our bake on to make him his long awaited birthday cake.

If you don't the birthday cake story here it is:  Months ago, maybe around Christmas, we started chatting about upcoming birthdays.  Owen asked if he could have a cake for his birthday.  Of course, the answer was yes.  When I asked what kind he said a bacon cake with bacon sprinkles.  Over the next few months the cake kept coming up and the description kept getting more elaborate. Chocolate cake, vanilla on the inside, sprinkles, bacon sprinkles.  As his birthday got closer I asked him what he wanted and he described the cake.  When I told him of course he'll get his cake but what would he like for a present...he described the cake again.  It was literally the only thing he wanted.  So the day of his birthday we made a paleo, allergy free chocolate cake, vanilla frosting between the layers, chocolate frosting outside, sea salt chocolate covered bacon, shaved bacon chocolate bar and "bacon sprinkles".....TA DA!

To say his was excited is probably an understatement.

He was delighted with his cake and his 5th birthday was made!

And we weren't the only ones who made him treats.  Friends brought him cupcakes, bacon, swedish dessert balls and treats for days!  I think people are getting a sense that Owen's love language is food!

It seems like just yesterday he was born.  Now he's almost ready to be off to kindergarten.  He is funny and smart.  He is a loyal friend but also really happy to just do things on his own.  If he's tired of what his friends are doing or just needs some space he just does his own thing very comfortably. He loves food and wants to be "jeff" (chef) when he grows up.  He loves imaginary play and doing crafts like playing with clay, painting rocks, all things earthy.  I love his curious and imaginative spirit! Can't wait to see the next year unfold for this baby boy! Love you Oweee!

Opening Day

Early March.  Opening day has finally arrived.  Boy were my little Giant and Volcano ready!

Owen and his buddy Mason waiting for pictures

My dudes heading to the fields for opening ceremonies.  5 and 7 just like their ages!

Apparently he'd taken enough pictures

Brian score keeps for Scott's team and is usually never without his little sidekick.  It really is the best seat in the house.

Scott had a great first game.  He got to base each time he was up to bat and even scored a few runs!  His last at bat he took a ball to the chest which was pretty rough but he was such a good sport about it.  For his efforts he earned the game ball after their first game.  He loves baseball and nothing makes him prouder than when he earns the game ball!  He definitely ended opening day on the highest of highs.

And melt my heart, he couldn't wait to bring his game ball in to school Monday morning and show his kindergarten teacher from last year.  Ms. Tori loves sports, especially baseball and these two had a special bong over sports last year.  It was just too cute that he wanted to go back and show her.  And she's a good sport about routing for Scott as a giant even though she's a die hard dodgers fan!

Happy baseball season, y'all!

Turning 7....

I just can't get over the fact that I have a 7 year old (and have had one for over a month now!) its just crazy.

To celebrate Scott's birthday we headed to sky high with Parker and co. and the Daniels as well as Grandpa and Gerri who were in town for the weekend!

The kids had a blast jumping their energy out for an hour while the adults got to visit.  Kind of fun to not have to chase toddlers around that place anymore.

Owen particularly enjoyed the foam pit.

I din't get too many pictures because obviously they were all moving a lot, and quickly.  But I did force a couple shots on them.

And we did lock them all in the wind tunnel for a few minutes which was awesome and hilarious.

After jump time we headed to D'amores for a delicious lunch with everyone! Pictured below: the kids table!

Parker John was particularly bothered by the fact that we didn't serve birthday cake.  "Auntie, this is the ONLY birthday party I've ever been too that didn't have cake." But Scott isn't much of a cake guy and opted for ice cream instead.

Birthday morning before school.  Door was decorated and this guy was officially the big 7!

Lately Scott has seemed so grown up to me, and not just because he's 7.  We have had so many more heartfelt conversations and he has so many big questions and is so curious about everything.  He is very serious but still really social and loves having a good time, especially with friends.  He's definitely my more extroverted kid its seems.  He's always ready for playtime with friends and when he's finally alone he is just asking and anticipating the next time he can see his friends!  He's the most fantastic big brother and I love that the boys are so close and such good friends with each other!  Favorites of Scott's include: sports (of all shapes and sizes), music, reading (being read to right now) in particular the chronicles of narnia which we are two books into at the moment, swimming and camping!  I love his curious and cautiously adventurous spirit!

Finishing up February (and starting march)

Baseball baseball baseball.  That's about where we are at this time of year, but we are loving every minute!

Friends in cubbies at school....good stuff

#7 - heart explosion

Friday after school with friends.  These are the best days!

We love this school fiercely!

Snow day at preschool.  It never disappoints.

Even big brother got in on the fun!

Scott switched first grade classes recently and his first experience with the new class happened to be an epic field trip with our school naturalists to Point Dume and the tide pools.

Here's the class with the sand whale they built...

Views from our hike to the tide pools

I was so happy I got to go on this field trip with my guy

We really had THE BEST day!

How school should be!

Tide poolin'

These two! I love them so much! So lucky to get to grow up with the Richards girls!

Pancake morning with Owen the future "Jeff"

Face painting at picnic pals, this is O as a coyote!

Pool weather (almost)

Grown up night out to celebrate Emily's birthday! 

Love this mama tribe!

A special trip to karma baker with my almost 5 year old!

February

Valentine's day (over a month ago....sigh)

We had donuts and green juice for breakfast (balance y'all) and roses from Daddy.  And new baseball T-shirts

And chocolate covered strawberries at team class for snack.  Best.Day.Ever.

We had to document our flooded out back yard.  This puddle took days to go away and those two dark spots are stepping stones that are usually about 6 inches above the dirt - it was nuts.

Rainy weekends made for the perfect time to bring out dad's old baseball card collection.  Scott has been getting a baseball card after every game and practice from his coach so he's super into it!

We also took the opportunity to turn it into a geography lesson when Scott asked where each team played.

We spent hours with our invention box and weaving loom on those rainy weekends too.

And of course made time for our morning yoga.  Owen is becoming quite the little yogi.  

Owen brought his own gluten free bagels to class one day so he could participate in the bagel pizza day.  Also his shirt says "I love snacks" and has a picture of a stomach on it....so its perfect.

Friday batting practice for Scott means a little boochkraft to go for mommy.

Snacks in the bathtub.....leave it to Owen.

Owen's practice with a pep talk from daddy.  Melt my heart.

Owen's team is called the Volcanoes and he was pretty stoked to get his gear ; )

Coming soon...birthdays on birthdays....and more baseball of course!