I had those same butterflies on Tuesday evening. Nervous, unsettled, wondering what his experience would be like. We’ve been looking forward to, and talking about this day, for what has seemed like months. The backpack had arrived from our favorite online retailer. Lunchbox, check. Sharpened pencils, crayons, tissues, glue sticks. All ready to go.

Our car had the same nervous excitement yesterday morning as we drove little man to school that I had felt so many years ago. Our questions changed, but the answers didn’t, to the tune of: do you remember your teacher’s name? Yes, mom. Don’t forget to raise your hand when you have a question. Yes, mom. Be polite to new people you don’t know and introduce yourself. Yes, mom. Do you remember where the bathroom is? Yes, mom. Will you give me one more big hug? It will have to last me the WHOLE morning. Yes, mom.

I am so proud of him and the little man he’s become. As we got to school, I choked back the tears seeing him plunk down his backpack and eagerly look around the classroom, new adventures and experiences to be had. A note from the teacher was on his table, comforting those of us who were struggling with the reality that our little ones are becoming big kids. As if the portraits don’t show enough of how much he’s grown.

As we picked him up at the end of their half-day, we begged for all the details. It was awesome, he said. The best, ever. The playground a bumpy slide, and I love my new friends. Oh, Little Man, it’s just beginning.

We end each day in nearly the same way with an evening boat ride. Little Man sometimes brings his fishing pole or some cars to play with, and we do nothing but drive. We enjoy the company of one another, feel the glow of sunlight as another day closes, with the promise of more adventures to be had tomorrow.

Your captain for the evening ::

You can feel cool air kiss our cheeks and the sound of the water behind us, while the motor rumbles beneath our feet. Little Man begs to take a turn at the wheel.

The boat dances between the bridges of the adjoining lakes; the water is much higher this year and hubs can put his palm on the bottom of the bridge decks.

The fading sunlight glimmers off the edge of the boat.

Little Man has finally succumbed to the gentle motion of the waves, falling asleep in my arms, as we watch the sun fall below the horizon.

Another day is done, more adventures to be had tomorrow.

A few friends joined us for bowling, Star Wars treats including Light Sabers (dipped pretzel sticks) and Death Star Donuts, and lots of cupcakes topped with everyone’s favorite characters! At the end of the party the kiddos took home a storm trooper bag filled with more Star Wars goodies.

We woke up Little Man on Tuesday, his actual birthday, with cupcakes for breakfast—his favorite! He was really surprised but didn’t want crumbs in his bed so opted to eat at the dining table instead. It was a fun day, with swimming lessons, soccer practice, lunch at his favorite restaurant (complete with a candle in his pancake!) and LOTS of gifts. Oh, it’s so good to be spoiled once in a while.

Here’s a few pics from throughout the week ::

My favorite memory from his birthday will be seeing his face like this:

When we gave him a new set of wheels… we didn’t want to spoil the surprise by grabbing his helmet before we went to the friend’s house it was stored at, but he jumped on and started riding right away!
A delightful birthday week, indeed. Here’s to celebrating the little things every day.

Cheers!