Happy 6th Birthday Max!

Max turned 6!  I can hardly believe it.  The amount of growth he has experienced this past year blows my mind.  He is such an independent, sensitive, smart, athletic, kind, loving, and unique boy.  He is doing so well in school and loves going every day.  Max is a perfectionist, no doubt about it.  He will obsess over his homework until he gets it just right.  He is reading so well already and loves books.  I just adore him.  One of my favorite things Max does these days is he gets dressed before he comes out for breakfast in the morning.  I have to add that the outfits he comes up with are extremely stylish and match perfectly.  He's got more fashion sense than his entire kindergarten class combined.  I can say that with confidence since I recently paid his class a visit before his birthday.

He would chime in every once in awhile with an interesting tidbit about himself as I was showing his class various pictures.

On the morning of his birthday, both Hank and Max were up before 7 a.m. bursting with excitement.

Max has been waiting for a month to get the new Disney Infinity game.  It's all he asked for and he gave me the perfect reaction when he opened it.  Max is so fun to give presents to.  

Randy picked up this motorized scooter the day before his birthday.  Max wasn't sure how to react to a present he didn't ask for.  He is the most literal kid you will ever meet.  I guarantee he was thinking, "but I didn't ask for a scooter, why did they give me one".

Randy got on first and realized how fast it could go.  We were contemplating taking it back when out came Max dressed and equipped with a helmet and shoes.

He jumped right on with so much confidence.  I couldn't believe how quickly he figured it out.  I almost had a heart attack, not going to lie, but we managed to avoid any injury!  That's so typical Max by the way.  He is always surprising me with the things he can do.  Now he can be to Ryan's house in 10 seconds!

There wasn't much time to play with all his new toys since we had Hank's football game to get to.  After we watched Hank, Randy took Hank and Max to lunch while I frantically ran around getting ready for Max's various parties that were happening later that day.  Sam and I met them at the soccer field for Max's game.  Max set a lofty goal of scoring 6 times on his 6th birthday.  He came so close, scoring 4 goals!!  He is such a soccer super star this season.  I can't believe how much he's improved since last year.

His first goal

Second

On his way to his 3rd.

And his final goal!

After the game, his entire team as well as their families sang "Happy Birthday" to Max. 

Of course his adorable grandmas were there cheering him on.

He's such a lucky boy to have such awesome grandmas who come to everything!

We hurried home just in time to take all of Max's friends to Hang Time.

These crazy boys didn't stop for well over an hour.  They were running, jumping, dodging, tagging, and having a blast together.

We opened presents and enjoyed a delicious cupcakes after they jumped their little hearts out.

Holy Boys!!

From left to right we have Matthew, Rylan, Dallin, Hank, Luke, Ryan, and Anthony.

I think it's safe to say Max was having a good birthday thus far!

I barely had time to catch my breath before the family came over to party.  Max picked this awesome cake.

After dinner, Max opened some great gifts.  The Ross family gave him a sweet ninja costume which you'll see shortly.

Max even indulged me with some token birthday pics with his grandparents.

This kid is pretty freaking adorable, I mean come on!

After a brief costume change he was ready for his birthday cake.

I'm pretty sure ninja's always get what they wish for on their birthdays!

Max loves his cousins and they love him!

I really hit a wall at this point of the party and my picture taking was lacking.  Sam refused to share the camera with Max for some reason.

O.k. fine Sam, sheesh you don't have to have your picture taken with Max.

Max and Sam really have a special little bond, although you can't tell from this picture.

See what I mean? Sam adores Max and Max adores Sam.  Max plays with him for hours and requests Sam wake him up every morning.  I know Max will instantly be in a good mood if I lift Sam up on the top bunk to jump on him.  Max was meant to be a big brother.  He is so good at it.  Sam can't wait for 12:30 so we can go the bus stop to get Max.  He'll say "Wax, Bus, Peeze."  Yes, he calls him Wax. 

I failed to get a good picture of Max with Hank.  Their relationship is a bit more love/hate but I know when it comes down to it, they have each others backs no matter what.  Hank looks out for Max at school and it makes my heart melt a little watching them walk to the bus stop together every morning.  Max is Hank's biggest fan.

As the family started leaving the party I realized I hadn't gotten a picture of me with the birthday boy.

Max's new hat came with an attitude so we ditched it and Isabel snapped the winning shot.

Max willingly embraced me like this and told me it was the best day of his life.  In that moment, all my exhaustion and hard work was 100% worth it.  I just love my little Mino-man so much.  I worry that he gets lost in the shuffle but he really is my biggest helper.  He holds such a special place in my heart.  I am so lucky to be his mom.  It's so exciting to watch him grow and mature.  Expect big things from this little dude!