Happy FIFTH birthday: when I picture you....

I picture you....

- crawling into our bed in the wee hours of the morning because your hand is asleep, or you thought it was morning, or you had a question, or you dropped your animal, or...

- running your hardest on the soccer field in your red cobras uniform only to get to the ball in time to run the other way. Never giving up though.

- sitting on the red chair with the iPad fully engaged in stars wars angry birds, plants versus zombies, some zoo or dinosaur game, drawing, or searching for a free game with high star rating. :)

- giving me hugs and kisses and then tackling Matthew in his car seat with the same love and then watching your grey and yellow back pack getting out if the car and walking down the sidewalk at carpool drop off.

- crashing anything into anything else, with impressive sound effects.

- genuinely thinking through which animal in the animal fort will be chosen each night to sleep with you.

- batting your eyes on purpose when you are trying to ask for something you think I will say no to.

- throwing your fists down to your sides, leaning forward and strongly expressing yourself through gritted teeth. This is not one of my favorites, but I see it often.

- dressed up in a cape, hat, binoculars, safari vest, glasses, shield, or any other apparatus you can find to pretend play.

- the look in your eye when you realize that a boo boo has blood. Down. For. The. Count.

- sticking your bum out at me and making tooting noises. And then laughing like it is the funniest thing EVER. Only to be encouraged by your brother laughing too and mimicking you. What is wrong with boys?!

- and Garrett making bird soup out of anything you can find in the pantry.

- helping your brother up and down the stairs.

- in pants that are too big in the waist, but too short in the length. #plumberscrack.

- fighting me every time it is time to get dressed. Every time! Guess it gets back.to never wanting to leave the house.

- telling me good night, you love me and to have sweet dreams every night.