How 6 Went Down

For all of April, I have anticipated my boy's coming birthday.  We didn't go the party route, but kept it a family affair like we usually do and planned a couple firsts for the birthday boy instead.  We stuffed balloons into his room the night before so they'd greet him right away in the morning.  As soon as he came out of him room he was whispering to Anna that it was his birthday and that he actually felt bigger.  To further get the day started on the right foot, we let Noah pick a present to open before school.

Then, of course, I had to get a solid pic of the birthday boy to share on Facebook. :)  He's holding up his newly earned finger on the second hand to make his 6 years show. 

Noah was so excited to get to school to wear a special birthday hat and sticker from his teacher.  He even chatted it up with the ladies in the drop off lane who played up to him and his birthday excitement.  I grinned ear to ear to witness how special he was clearly feeling.  The day picked up the pace once he got home.  We had the cake and presents waiting for him on the table. 

Truth be told, however, he was a little on edge and moody on the ride home, so I actually made him take a rest after school.  And as soon as Daddy got home, he tore into his gifts.  But not before we sang to him...

 Gifts included:

Marble race tracks.

Lightening globe.

Wii game.

A Lego man storage container.  We also got a present for the sad puppy whose birthday it was not - it's a tradition I totally love doing, too.  Anna loved her play hair kit that came complete with flat iron, curling iron, brush, perfume, and a hair dryer that actually blows. 

Card and money in the mail from Mimmie and Papa.  And bonus ... the next day more came from Memaw and Papa John. :) (He chanted, "Please have money, please have money," as he opened it.)

Took a few reads for him to finally get what this gift was all about. 

And finally, finally we were able to reveal this bad boy from the hiding it's been in since Christmas. Noah was quite surprised.

He knew just what to do!

Then we had a few bites of cake and sat down to call Tania who is always on our mind this time of year especially. I had texted her that morning to tell her we were thinking of her and she texted back asking us to call her.  She was happy to talk with Noah and got a little emotional later in the call when she asked for more pictures of him.  So right away, I hopped on the computer last night and got 50 winners ordered and shipped straight to her. Shame on me for not having done so already this year.  I don't know why I thought once a year would be enough. I just still never know exactly how to approach her, but am so glad she said something!

 After the call, we scooted out the door to take in our first dinner via hibachi.  Noah was quite anxious the entire time, however.  That flaming fire they do at the beginning just came on a little too strong for my cautious and mild boy.  He did, however, like the onion volcano. :)

And the ice cream he ate instead of his dinner.  : /

Anna was a hoot to watch attempt to flip and twist her spoon and fork like the chef guy. 

After dinner, the birthday boy squeezed in a little more play before he just melted down entirely and was off to bed.  Birthdays are just a lot to take in!

Which is why we are glad we didn't try to fit bowling in this day as well.  He has that post-birthday treat to look forward to this weekend instead. It'll be another family first!  :)