Kingston is FIVE!

Kingston turned five - just over a month ago. Needless to say - I'm a bit behind on writing about this event - but I wanted to post a few things so I remember them later!! Two years ago at a graduation ceremony I was chatting with the parent of a graduate. This was her third child that was headed to college, with the last to follow the next year. I asked "aren't you sad all your kids are growing up and leaving?'. Her response has stuck with me " oh no - I'm just so excited for them, and all that God has for them!". This story has been on my mind for the last few months as I feel the last few months of "pre-schooler" slipping away.

We made cupcakes for his preschool class - he requested chocolate with candy topping. I did apologize to his teacher for feeding 9 pre-schoolers this much sugar :)

Kingston spent his birthday going to school (one of his favorite things right now) and having GG, GPA and Grandma and Grandpa over for dinner and more cupcakes.

Jake and the Neverland pirates was our birthday theme this year - I was so excited to so something besides Thomas the Train!

This is the first year we have allowed Kingston to have a "friend party". It wouldn't be a party without a costume!

Treasure map (a schedule of our party activities) and our "pirate dressing station"

Aren't these the sweetest little pirates! It was SO MUCH FUN to have Kingston and his friends play games and do a little treasure hunt together.

I'm not sure why, but smiling for the camera seems IMPOSSIBLE for this 5 year old boy!

Even the babies walked the plank!

We had a great time celebrating with family and friends. Five years seems like such a big milestone for my boy - he's changed so much in just the last few months, becoming quite the "boy" instead of a toddler or pre-schooler. He loves pirates, swords, trains, cars, chase and running, and playing "hit ball" with Nate (a game where you see who can hit each other the hardest with a huge green ball….I have no idea why this is fun). He is smart, kind, compassionate and full of energy. He doesn't like to pray or be singled out in small groups  but has no fear speaking or praying in front of large groups. He likes to paint, run, jump and is bossy if you let him be (I have NO IDEA where he got that trait from :) He talks non- stop and has an incredible memory. He is such a treasure - we are so blessed that God has given him to us as our son!