Jonah turns 5!

Jonah is five years old today. It's amazing that I finally have a kid that old! These last few years have really been a blur for me, having these kids so close. It's amazing that they really are growing up.

We had a party for Jonah's birthday on Saturday. It was a pirate theme and I think he really enjoyed it. When the kids walked in, they signed the scroll to join Captain Jonah's crew...Then if they needed to dress up, we had a box of necklaces, eye patches, and pirate clothes they could dress up with, then they got a pirate tattoo (removable ☺). Then we took a picture of the crew. I think Matthew missed the group shot, and Trevor didn't want to come over, but the rest of them are here!After pictures, we played a few games. Jonah wanted to play "Red Light, Green Light." Some of the kids didn't understand the concept, but it was fun for them to run around the backyard for a few minutes. Then we came inside and tried to play "Duck, Duck, Pirate (instead of Goose)," but the same thing happened. When someone would say "Pirate," the whole group would get up and run around. Oh well, it seemed like they were having fun.

We also played "Don't Eat Pete!" and that was a big hit. The kids understood this game pretty well- maybe it's because it involved candy! We also played "Pin the Eye Patch on the Pirate," and the kids seemed to enjoy that one too. They didn't really care how close they got, they just thought it was fun. You've got to love this age!

Next it was time for cake and ice cream! Jonah was so excited about his pirate ship cake that I made. It didn't turn out how I pictured it, but Jonah didn't seem to notice the imperfections! He was so excited about putting the crocodile on!

Getting ready to sing!

Singing...

And digging in!
Thanks to all the mommies who were there and helped serve the food and clean up!

Opening presents was a little (okay, a lot!) chaotic. I was just trying to remind Jonah to read the cards and say "Thank you" to the giver before grabbing for the next present. It doesn't help when you are simultaneously getting mauled by eight other kids who want to see the presents!

Jonah got lots of great gifts!

After presents, we gathered up the pieces of the treasure map that each of the kids had gotten with their invitation. We put the pieces together to form the map, then set off to find the treasure! The map took us around the house, then outside, where the kids had to each go down the slide. The X was near the tree in the backyard, and the kids found their treasure, which was their goodie bags to take home and some gold coins.

Here is part of the group with the treasure box!

All in all, I think that Jonah really enjoyed his party. He was really excited to tell his teacher about it at school. Today I tried to tell Jonah that it was his real birthday, but he didn't really seem to get it, since Saturday was such a big deal. I brought some cupcakes into his classroom today to remind him.

I can't believe that Jonah is five! Parents always say that about their kids though, huh? I guess it's true- they do grow up fast! He will be in Kindergarten next year, which is really crazy for me. Having essentially three toddlers at once really did a number on my memory. It's weird to think that they are slowly getting out of that toddler phase. I think I'm really going to enjoy them in their young school ages. They are developing some fun personality traits and some great imaginations. And I love that I can have real conversations with them now. The communication delays with Jonah and Eden have really been hard, but it is getting easier.

For those of you who really know Jonah, you know how unique he is! My blessing tells me that I will have special children, and although my dad always teased me about the "special" part, it really is true. Jonah is a really special kid. I can already see some of the gifts Heavenly Father has blessed him with. He is turning into a little person and it amazes me to see him grow. We are so lucky to have him in our lives and in our family.

For Jonah's birthday, I am going to do what I did for Eden's. I am going to write out his birth story in detail for my journal. I still remember crying when I first saw him- a real person! I am blessed to be his mother.

We love you, Jonah! Have a great fifth year!