Max's 5th Birthday

Max turned 5 last week and we had celebrations galore.  Being the middle child,  I worry about Max being the forgotten one.  I think I compensated for that over the course of his birthday weekend.  I maybe went a little overboard but he deserved it.

He was the leader in preschool so I made a poster to represent all things Mino!

I came to school to share the poster with the class and watch Max's awesome leadership skills.

He was a little worried the clown hat he got to wear was going to ruin his hair.  It was also school picture day.  The class sang to him and offered their birthday wishes.

He called on Bree (the one in the pink shirt) to share her birthday wish.  She said she hoped he got a strawberry cake for his birthday.  Later when we picked out his cake he said he wanted a strawberry one, ha!

The following day was a Bear Hollow field trip to Thanksgiving Point's Farm Country.  I love me a field trip.

Spending one on one time with Max is always fun.

He was a little disappointed Bree didn't get to ride with us but he quickly made friends with Eden and Gracie.  He's quite the lady killer.

He really loved the goats for some reason.  That smile gets me every time.

The next day was finally the big day.  He woke up to soccer decorations everywhere.

Hank was so excited to give Max the awesome Poke'mon cards he picked out.  Max loved them.  

He also loved his Koosh gun.

The grand finale present was a new bike.  It's high time Max learns how to ride a bike.  

Hank hated going to school on Max's birthday, so I checked him out at lunch.  I'm such a push over.

Max's outfit had to be properly documented. Amazing.

We took several trips around the neighborhood to try out his new bike.  I predict it won't be long before those training wheels come off.

Later that afternoon, we headed to Jack and Jill's for a little bowling with the cousins.

Max loves his cousins.  He told me he wanted to invite his friends too so when I asked which one's he replied "I forgot their names, let's just invite my cousins." So funny.

Dyson had a soccer game and couldn't make the party.

Max could really generate some power with his bowling ramp and awesome wind up moves.

Sam and Tucker made their presence known but opted out of bowling.  They didn't have bowling shoes small enough.

Sam decided to take a little rest on Grandma Jackie.  Thanks mom for helping out.

After bowling we met the rest of the family back at the house for pizza, cake, ice cream and presents.  

Max has had lots of candle blowing experience over the past year from all the various birthday parties we've attended.  He had no problem tackling all these candles.

He received so many awesome gifts from everyone

Grandpa Griff gave him an electronic bank with money in it.

Grandpa Sherm and Grandma Vona gave him money.  He even indulged them with a hug after.

The Ross family gave him a sweet dragon and ninja toy and the Royster's gave him poke'mon cards.

The Jones family gave him the Leonardo sword you can see properly stowed in his shirt!

He can be such a little punk sometimes.  Grandma Jeri gave him a poke'mon game for his DS which he was so excited about, although you can't tell from this picture.  Jeri looks cute though!

Grandpa Curt and Grandma Jackie gave him a Razor scooter and some new shin guards.

I'd say he was one spoiled 5 year old.

 The following pictures represent Max perfectly.

Max's dance moves are hilarious.  He loves to jam out to any song on U92. 

He is becoming quite the little soccer player.  He loves to have his fans cheering him on.  He's always looking over at the sidelines for a thumbs up from me. 

He named their team the Snakes. A perfect name for this crew.  They are undefeated so far.

Max has a way with little kids.  They are drawn to him.  Jack, Tucker, Lennon, Owen, and Sam can't seem to get enough of Max.  Hank gets frustrated when Sam will only laugh at Max.  I caught Sam reaching for Max's hand in the car the other day, just to hold it for awhile.  Every morning when Sam wakes up he anxiously looks around the corner for Max.  They play for hours together upstairs.  Also, Max has an obsession with Mario Smash Bros on the Wii.  He usually makes me call him a character from that game, Falco, Lucario, or Rob to name a few.

   

Max is such a ray of light in our crazy family.  He gladly takes a back seat to shine the light on his brothers.  In fact, he wasn't that comfortable with all the birthday attention he got.   He is Hank's #1 fan and gives him praise constantly.  He is content with very little, never really asking for the newest toy or game.  All he asks for is some quality one on one time.  He has grown up so much this year.  I can't believe how confident and outgoing he is at preschool.

This picture put the finishing touches on a perfect birthday.  Max is my little buddy.  He helps me so much during the day while Hank is at school.  Our family couldn't function like it does without our darling Max.  I love you with all my heart buddy.  I hope your 5th birthday was your best yet!