Brady is 5!

Brady is five. That is sad for me, but awesome for him. He feels like a big kid now, so full of pride with every new accomplishment. I've had five years of nothing but smiles out of that guy. Today was no different.

He woke up and came and got my lazy bones out of bed with a huge smile on his face. We did a little cuddlin on the couch and then he put his breakfast order in. What am I, a waiter/short order cook at the Omelet House? Yeah I guess I am for him. For his big boy breakfast he ordered scrambled eggs, dry Cheerios, peaches, GoGurt, a banana, and chocolate milk. Wow. The scary part is he ate almost all of it. His metabolism is a wonder to behold.

After breakfast we played a little Wii and then got ready to go. We had to make a stop at Rainbow Donuts to pick out his birthday treats for school. He took his time selecting just the right ones, much to the delight of the three old dudes who seem to always be in there reading the paper and talking politics.

Brady was fired up to start his school day of course. It was all he could do to keep from breaking out in song and dance as we walked to class. He loves that place, but way more when it's his birthday. Mrs. Dexter really makes a point to recognize the birthday kid several times during the day, and focus the days activities around them. That is just the kind of thing Brades is in to.

His buddies were excited too of course because they got to party and have donuts. That's little kid heaven. They all played and danced and then towards the end, Brady was given the seat of honor and they all sang and then chowed down. What a fun day for him.

After school, Brady was begging to the point of tears to go home so he could open his cards and presents. He's had his eye on Lego Batman for Wii for a few months now. He was begging for it before it was even released. What can I say...he's a gamer. So this morning when he saw a thin rectangular package sitting on the fireplace, it was calling his name. All day I tried to throw him off saying it was hard to find, and it might not be what he thinks is in there. He didn't buy my BS for one second. Mostly he just rolled his eyes. I think the kids are on to my silly mind games by now.

So, once we gave him the go for ripping it up he did just that. His reaction was priceless. Smiling as big as the sky and dancing around the room like a maniac. That was worth the wait, even if the game sucks (which it does not). He loved the other stuff, especially Jake's present to him. Jake knows his bro.

After presents, the boys played the new game for a while before supper. No fights, no screaming, just nice friendly good-time gaming. Woo Hoo! After their hand-eye coordination session we went to our usual spot, Islands, for supper. Same good food, same crazy dessert. We stick with what works.

The boys are now upstairs sleeping like logs. I am lucky to have such cool kids to hang out with and share my life with. Brady, you are such an awesome kid and I am so happy for you. These years with you are flying by so fast I feel like I am stuck in fast forward. I hope you always keep the love you have for life and all things in it. I love you with all that I am. Happy Birthday.

Your breakfast, Sir.

Huge appetite, tiny waist. We should all be so lucky.

"Chocolate donuts for all!"

Yes, the kid on the left has a World-Class mullet at age 4. It goes all the way down to his butt. Give his mother the trophy. Give him 20 years of therapy, and a haircut.

That's not flying, that's falling with style.

Someone is ready to party.

Any party animal will tell you, a proper party hat is key.

"Shazam...you're beard is gone!" Awww shucks.

Who is that handsome young man using scissors left handed?

My wife is hot. My son is handsome as all get out. I am repulsive...but charmingly witty.

Mrs. Dexter is my hero.

OK, so Brady took three times longer than everyone else to eat his donut. He savors the flavor baby.

You see? Rolling his eyes at another one of my crappy jokes.

To the left, my youngest. To the right, a 23 year old man...err, my oldest.

Mrs. Wolkis already hard at work stealing my other child's heart.

Pencils, paper, and magnets? These are the three things Brady rolls out of bed thinking about. Score!

"Hmmm...nice try with the pirate card trying to throw me off the trail...

...but I am on to your, HOLY %$^&!!!!! LEGO BATMAN!!!"

Hide your daughters from that smile.

Jake is in his glory when he reads to Brady.

Another example of why it is so much fun to buy him presents.

Finally he can retire the 4 year old Doodle Pad that's been half broken for months.

This was the first thing he wanted to write when he took it out of the box. He goes straight for the kill that one. Again, guard your daughters.

A cozy blanket, your best friend, and a new game. Nice.

Thar he blows.

That is one of the weirdest faces I have ever seen him make, but warm brownie and cold ice cream will make you do weird things sometimes.