Thursday, July 9, 2009

So Freakin' Five

As I was in my bathroom getting ready for the day yesterday, Parker did a running leap onto my bed as he yelled with arms in the air..."I'm so freakin' FIVE!!!!!"

Birthday's mean so much to kids. Parker turned five yesterday (obviously). I asked him if being five felt different than being four. And in all seriousness he answered yes. He told me he was so much bigger than when he was four. Today he's been showing me all the ways he's changed..."Look at my arms mom. These arms are so long. And my legs are longer than when I was four aren't they mom? And mom, don't my hands look like five year old hands? They're big hands right mom?"

I asked him his favorite thing about being five...kindergarten. Though he was expecting to start the day after he turned five. Don't we all wish.

Him and his brother (yes that's brother...singular...Gray appreciates sleeping more than the other two) woke up to the usual birthday streamers and balloons and pile of presents. They didn't turn on PBS like they do every other morning. I could almost hear Parker staring at his presents...just waiting for Spencer and I to get out of bed. And though it wasn't even 6am yet, I couldn't wait either. Park enjoyed his gifts, but I think actually being five was more exciting than anything he opened.

His birthday breakfast request included cinnamon rolls, chocolate milk, and frozen peaches. I tried to talk him into fresh peaches...they're in season after all. But he got hooked on frozen ones during the winter months. What a nut.

We spent the day at the zoo and around lunchtime met up with some friends there. It was one of those perfect zoo days...we saw the brand new baby elephant romping around, we got to the tigers at feeding time, the lions were ROARING right as we walked up, the penguins were putting on quite a show, we rode the boat twice and to top it off, a monkey pooped right in front of us. That was the highlight of the trip for my gross kids.

Ross, Jacob, Parker, Reid


the boat ride...take I


the boat ride...take II


Parker, Reid, Abbey and Ross


the ride home

We dined at Burger King per Parker's request. And then he got to spend the money Grandma and Grandpa Smith sent. We topped it off with cake and went to bed.



The orange dragon with blue wings was Parker's idea. I have fun with kids cakes, but I could REALLY use a lesson in frosting. The cakes are always poorly executed.

Parker is such a bright boy. We just played several rounds of Mancala (thanks Abbey and family). Though it's really for older kids (and grown-ups), Parker caught on quick and even beat me one round (though I was going easy on him...I'm a wiz at math games). When we read from the scriptures at night, Parker now wants to take his turn and always amazes me at how well he reads. He's reading words that are completely unconventional and not at all phonetic. He's way into anything science and asks questions about everything. He's good at abstract thinking and applying what he learns to everyday life. Parker's a fireball and if he's not learning something new everyday, he has way too much energy to burn. He craves learning.

But despite all his left brain-ness he has a creative side, too. He can dance like no body's business. Parker has a fantastic imagination. And he can draw and color with ability far beyond his years. I'm one proud mother. I really love this kid.


And now we're already counting down to turning six.

19 comments:

Traci Elizabeth said...

Happy Birthday!!!! He seems like such a fun kid...but I wouldn't expect anything else from one of your offspring!

Autumn said...

Happy birthday to Parker!! What a great bday. How cute that he felt older!! AWESOME about the reading! Good for him. What a fun day!

Genn said...

Wow ! A five year old on your hands. Happy Birthday to Parker. He really does seem like such a fun kid. And very smart. Wish we lived closer to know your kids Katie.

jeanine said...

Happy Birthday Parker!!! What a fun day! You are so good at birthdays... I need to take some lessons. Wow. Five. I can't even believe it!

Unknown said...

The monkey poop would have been my kids favorite part too :)
Happy Birthday!!

Nicole said...

Happy Birthday Parker! What a bright 5 year old you have there!! You sure sound like a proud mama. Glad you guys had so much fun yesterday at the zoo and seeing monkey poop. Sounds like a good time. :)

Sam and Becky said...

Happy Birthday!!! so cute! What a fun day!!! katie-for the frosting.. try fondit.. its like dough.. you can color it as well.. then no need for frosting.. or much frosting.. :D

Cynthia said...

Five already? Happy Happy Birthday! Sounds like a fun day.

Cynthia said...

(and he DOES look bigger than the pictures a few days ago when he was just 4! haha)

Megan said...

He is such a cutie! 5 is a pretty fun age, and Kindergarten is the best, so is monkey poop. He and Ella would be fine friends, cousins, third cousins? second cousins once removed? Not sure how that works...

Kelly said...

I'm VERY impressed with your cake! But it doesn't surprise me, everything you do, you do WELL! And Parker really does seem fun. I think Derek would get along so well with him!

Eric said...

What a cute birthday post. He's darling and I love all the things that have changed since he was 4. Ethan felt the same way when he turned 5. I'm totally impressed with all your fun birthday activities and your cake is awesome. Happy Birthday to Parker!

Kelly said...

WOW- 5 already?! What a great birthday for a brand new 5 year old!! Such fun! I love that he is so much bigger now as a 5 year old-be sure to note that for future reference!!
I love that he is so animated and so alive in his 5 years!! SO glad he is back to bring us a smile again!
Happy 5th Birthday, Parker!!

Kris said...

Happy Freakin Birthday Parker!!!
What a cutie!

J, E, S & L said...

Blast! I missed the big day! Sounds like a riot. The poop would have been John's favorite too and we know how old John is :) I have to say, we really miss you guys! Happy Birthday Park! Congrats on making it to 5!

Curtis Whipple said...

YAY for monkey poop! It's a man thing I guess... women wouldn't understand.

Amanda B. said...

Happy Birthday, Parker! What a perfect day!! :) And, that cake is AMAZING!!! I need a lesson from you. I enjoy baking but am no good at making it look cool....

Unknown said...

You are so stinkin' creative!! My poor kids dont get fun cakes like that. And, you know we could never go to the zoo around here during the summer...100 degrees, no thanks! Its almost getting too hot to go to the pool, the water is like bath water!! I will say, I heard on a baking show once that for a good frosting job, you do a very thin layer of frosting first and let it dry/set up some. Then you frost over that and according to the cake guy, it makes for a much better frosting job! Clearly, I wouldnt know for sure, but it sounds like a good idea:)

Tammy said...

Are you kidding me Katie!!?? Look at that cake!!! You're the coolest mom ever!!