The Braves

Nash officially retired from baseball this year so I was really happy when Crew wanted to play Tball. I'm a sucker for Little League. There's just something about those practices and games on warm spring nights that make it feel like the whole town is coming together. 

Crew played for the Braves. He spent a lot of time picking grass in the outfield but he also learned some fundamentals and possibly had some fun along the way. 

I'm always so grateful for the village of parents and coaches that sacrifice their time and patience to work with rambunctious five year olds.

Our friend Lincoln was in town one weekend and snapped some shots of Crew.

We survived the first season of Tball in conjunction with two older brothers involved in activities. I can only imagine how crazy it'll be when we add in practices for another child.

Crew was ready to throw off his glove and wrap up the season.

Root Root Root for the Red Sox

Can you guess which team we're rooting for?

We love it when the Red Sox come to town! It isn't Fenway Park, but Angel Stadium will do to watch our favorite baseball team.

Out of This World

Crew always manages to convince us to have a birthday celebration with friends. It's hard to resist the level of persuasion and excitement he has about birthday parties. I didn't mind too much this year because his idea was to gather at a new local park. All it required was a sunny afternoon and some cupcakes. That's the kind of party I could host over and over.

We decided on the theme "out of this world" based on a saying from his favorite pair of pajamas. All that really meant was some foam rocket ships as party favors and space themed napkins.

I also had a giant number five balloon attached to the party table. It was never pictured because it became unattached and blew away before we could catch it. Crew was devastated about watching that golden number five fly higher and higher into the sky. I tried to divert the unfortunate situation by telling him his balloon was literally going "out of this world" just like his party! It cheered him up a little but you better believe the story of the lost balloon was told over and over again in the upcoming weeks.

Fortunately, there were lots of friends to distract him.

What I like to call "California sledding" is always the main attraction at this fun park.

Crew is blessed to have so many friends to celebrate with him. We all think he's out of this world.

Crew is Five

I know of no one who is as excited about holidays, especially birthdays, than Crew.

His 5th birthday fell on a Sunday and he couldn't wait to get through church and celebrate. He opened a few gifts and showed off the charts excitement for each one.

We went to the park; so simple and Crew couldn't have been happier. Especially because he learned how to jump off a moving swing.

It ended in a wrestling pile up of brothers. Just a typical day.

We capped off the night with Crew's anticipated cake and ice cream.

Five things I love about my five year old:

1. Crew asked Alexa how many days until Tax Day (his birthday) for four months leading up to his birthday. He relayed that information on to every carpool driver, haircutter, Costco sample giver and stranger he came across. I sure hope his birthday lived up to the hype.

2. He is ultra affectionate. He is always wanting to give me a hug or kiss.

3. He loves his "comfy jammies." He has a pair of fleecy pajamas and I commented once that I wanted to snuggle him up in his comfy jammies. Now he wants to wear them every single night, or at least the minute they come out of the dryer. He builds the anticipation all day by tempting me with, "Mommm, tonight I'm going to wear my comfy jammies and you're going to want to snuggle me." I match his excitement every time and it never gets old.

4. He is feisty and has no issue telling adults exactly how it is. It can be embarrassing, but it's going to get him places.

5. His smile lights up the room and it's hard not to be in a good mood when Crew is passionate about celebrating life.

The 365 day countdown till the next birthday began immediately...Happy Birthday Crew!