It's a New Year! Let's Rewind

I'm going to back this blog up a bit and start back where I left off last time. It looks like in early December I was talking a bit about Ben being a little punk. Wouldn't you know it, that kid went and turned six on me right after. He was really excited about this birthday. I sent invitations to his friends at school for a pool party at the community center and he was excited when almost all twenty (yes- I am crazy) kids said they were coming.

For the day of his birthday I had ordered cookies from the cafeteria to be taken to his classroom as the afternoon treat. I thought that would be enough since I am there every other week and didn't really think it was that big of a deal. I was wrong, once again. The day before he asked me if I was coming in to help pass out the cookies. When I said that I hadn't planned on it, the look on his face nearly broke my heart. He didn't cry, in fact he tried to be tough and hide the fact that he was disappointed. When I asked him if he wanted me there, he just said that some of the moms do it, with his brave face still on. As soon as he was on the bus I sent Mrs. Bryant an email asking if Owen and I could stop by the next day to help out. This is just how incredible she is with 20 some odd kids having birthdays year in year out;

 "Birthdays only happen once a year and for a 5/6 year old, birthdays are sooo important!! Let me ask Ben when he wants to celebrate and I'll email you to let you know when to come in. Little brother coming is fine!!
Thank you! "

He is so lucky to have a teacher who really gets kids. I know that I don't always!  We surprised Ben by bringing Jeremy along. He had not been in to the school yet and Ben loved showing off his Dad.

When Ben got home from school we took him out to eat at a Mexican place then he wanted to drive through the park to look at the Christmas light display. He is so my kid!

Saturday was his party and he had a great time with his friends. It was nice not having it at the house for a change and the boys loved getting back in the water. Turning six was so much cooler than being five.