Graduation Day

Today, we watched the first of hopefully many graduation ceremonies for Baylor! Our baby is leaving preschool behind for Kindergarten! Whoa! Somebody hit pause on life's remote control! Posing with his buddy Ethan, Baylor enjoyed every second of the spot light.

He has never been a wallflower, and today, we saw our little entertainer shine on stage during the class performance. I seriously need to get this boy an agent! He is Hollywood bound!!!

Baylor, we really don't say it enough, but you are our shining star! You bring a joy & energy to each day. You're going to do amazing things in your lifetime!

The Real Deal

Turning 5, Take 2! This celebration is the real deal on Baylor's actual birthday. Double the celebration. Double the treats. Double the presents. Yep, five is a good year! We love you so much, buddy!

FIVE

Turning five is a BIG deal in this family. It's your first chance to have a full-scale birthday party with all your buddies. Well, I guess that's not a true statement anymore since we had a big blowout for Grant's first birthday. However, the guests were technically our friends not his. Just saying! Anyway, back to Baylor's big birthday. I told him we could have his birthday party anywhere he wanted and proceeded to rattle off an extensive list of options. Baylor's choice wasn't one that I included. I point that out to demonstrate that his party was exactly what HE wanted. Baylor decided on a bowling party. Yes, bowling! I think he had bowling exactly twice before, but apparently, it was loads of fun!

Baylor's fabulous bowling cake & cupcakes! Our baker truly outdid herself. As cute as the cake was, it tasted even better.

Bowling Pin Cookies

At Baylor's party, everyone was a winner!

I can't remember if I ever blogged about Baylor's random announcement that he planned to one day change his name. As we were riding in the car one day, Baylor said, "Mom, did you know that sometimes people change their names?" I paused and responded, "Yes, I have heard that some people make that choice." Baylor joyfully shared, "When I grow up, I'm going to change my name to Hector!" Really? Hector? Well, after I saw this picture, I agree Hector might be a good choice.

Hi, Aunt Kelly! Who is this cute stranger with you?

Baylor's bowling party was more fun than I could have imagined! I should have known our little party animal aka Mr. Personality knew how to have a good time! Happy 5th birthday, Baylor!

Orange Stripe

Watch out, World! My boy is a lethal weapon! Ok, not really, but he's getting there. Jaxon takes his martial arts classes very seriously. Of course, it's Jaxon. So, what doesn't he take seriously?

Jaxon's board-breaking after the belt test.

Belt Ceremony

Looking fierce with that grin!

Field Day

I don't know about your grade school experience, but I can clearly remember the day that I looked forward to most each and every school year...Field Day!!! No school work, just competitive fun! A chance to show the other classes who ruled the school! Woo hoo!!! That said, I wasn't going to miss Jaxon's first Field Day.

Baylor had the day off from preschool so I signed him up as a volunteer as well! As it turned out, he was the extra team mate they needed to even out some of the events. Baylor was THRILLED absolutely THRILLED to be able to participate. The kids really welcomed him as a team mate. It was so sweet!

There are definitely days when I question the decision to be a stay-at-home mom. Today wasn't one! Loved that I have the ability to be involved in my children's special activities and document the memories!

Holy Days

Looking sharp, Jaxon! As you should since this is a BIG milestone...First Communion!!! After two years of preparation, Jaxon is now ready to receive the Eucharist like a good little Catholic. He took the whole process very seriously, and the entire family was on hand to watch as he took this important step in his faith.

BaBa, Ong Noi, and Uncle Kyle came down for the special weekend...

And Grandfather & Grandma surprised us by driving down for Mass! It wasn't meant to be a surprise, but a miscommunication led me to believe they weren't going to make it. Jaxon truly enjoyed having all of his grandparents there for his big day.

You make us so proud, buddy! You didn't do it to make us happy. You did for your love of the Lord.

Budding Entrepreneurs

Check out the little entrepreneurs! Jaxon & his buddy Ethan teamed up for the Second Grade flea market. Each student or duo had to come up with a product to market to their peers. Jaxon & Ethan decided to sell tokens to play their Claw games that were stocked with candy, miniature versions of the arcade Claws. The line to play was 10 kids deep at times. Keep it up, boys! Your parents are counting on you for retirement funds!