5 Years Old

These past weeks have been filled with fun and milestones and all things fun and emotional. First up: Brendan graduated from pre-school. When you work at Lucasfilm, this means a big ceremony in the theater with stormtroopers and R2-D2 in attendance. Grandma and Grandpa and Aunt Lisa were also in attendance – which was way more important to Brendan. In fact, as Brendan looked out into the audience, he excitedly yelled, “Hi Grandma!!” Many of the kids were shy being up in front of all those people – Brendan was not. While I was watching, I worried that he was at least a ham, perhaps bordering on obnoxious, but as time has passed and I’ve watched the following videos, I’ve softened my view. I realize that he did what I always want him to do – he enjoyed every minute. He was also four at the time – and almost every parent and every teacher told her that he literally stole the show. For me, he always steals the show.

The march in:

Performance #1:

Performance #2 (right before this started he said, “Ohhh! I love this one!!”

The Interview:

Getting his diploma:

He spent one more week after this in the Dolphin room, and tomorrow he starts soccer camp. He is excited – but twice this weekend, he cried because he missed the Dolphin room. Mom also cried on the way out of the classroom for the last time. But in each case, we held each other close and remembered that it’s okay to be sad, but that together we can figure anything out.

The day after graduation, it was birthday party time! This year he wanted a soccer/pool party. At first this combination perplexed me, but I think we rocked it. The whole class was invited because we didn’t want anyone to feel left out – and about 50 people came! That was a fun surprise! We had the party at Hamilton Pool, with a soccer theme. Of course, Grandma’s cake didn’t hurt the celebratory mood either – and there was plenty for everyone. I didn’t do a great job capturing moments with the camera, but thankfully Uncle Joel took some for me!

We also had a birthday party at school:

And then we opened presents at home. He was so surprised and sweet and grateful – I wish I had kept the camera rolling:

There are so many things I love about this boy. Here are a few of the things that are quintessential Brendan as he turns 5:

• He loves all things active: biking, scooters, running, soccer, hockey, baseball, skiing, skating, surfing, swimming – anything outside.
• When we go to the farmers market, just as much as the waffles and the bouncy house, he can’t wait to stop at the plant guy to see what kind of “food plants” he has. He loves to plant seeds and watch them grow.
• Right now, his favorite phrase is “Oh my gosh!” Either that or, “Moooooooooommmmmmm…..” (when I am somehow embarrassing him)
• He is thoughtful and empathetic and silly. He is a leader in the class, but doesn’t know it – and almost prefers to follow.
• He whistles constantly. CONSTANTLY. And he’s getting pretty good.
• His mind just naturally gets math, but he suddenly can’t remember the order of the alphabet.
• When he is interested in something, and decides he wants to do it – he can focus and do it. No matter what.
• When he wants to emphasize something important he says, “Mom – For TRUE LIFE!”
• When he has a cold, he tells us he has a “rusty nose”
• Favorite foods: Mac-n-Cheese, Popovers with Grandma’s strawberry jam, ice cream, yogurt, Trader Joes pizza with carmelized onions
• He still comes into our bed, but not as often as I’d like
• All the ladies love him, but he’s true blue to Harper (although he’s a sucker for a lady wearing lipstick…)
• For toys, he still loves to play with cars and magnatiles most of all.
• Loves bugs and worms and ants and snails and any critter

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And here are my compiled 100 photos for the past 6 months. The months went by so quickly as they always do, but as usual, he just keeps getting better and better.