Paxton is 5!

We took the decorations down and wrapped up Christmas to ring in our middle child's FIFTH birthday on the 28th! With his birthday so close to Christmas, I make it a point to have the holiday all wrapped up so we can put all well-deserved focus on the birthday boy. And his day started out with donuts for breakfast. And in this family, you get a candles to blow out at every meal! The boys were being silly, so Harlow took advantage and blew out the candle. That girl loves birthdays, so much so that we had to sing just to her once too, as though it was her special day. Paxton didn't mind sharing. 

He even let her open two of his presents, since she bawled the whole way through. She doesn't even care what she's opening as long as she's the one ripping the paper. Paxton was more than happy with his gifts, all Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Transformers stuff, he loves both! 

He got his pick for lunch and of course it was none other than Happy Joe's. A favorite of all the kids, just for the games. He's always been a little shy and skeptical of the singing, sirens, and horns, but he'll suffer through anything to get to that sundae. 

His second pick of the day was swimming. I snuck out with the boys while Harlow was napping, and she still doesn't know we left, so shhh!! This was a relaxing trip for me since the boys can swim on their own in shallow or deep. I spent most of the time in the hot tub watching from afar. Scoring their jumps into the deep. On the way home from swimming, Paxton said to me, "Mom, you make birthdays really fun!" Heart melted, day made! 

For supper, the whole family got together and went to Applebee's, then back to our place for cake, ice cream, and a few more presents. 

This boy has gone through many phases, and is currently the sweetest and the meanest of the bunch, depending on the day. He stays up the latest and wakes up the happiest. From the hours of 5pm-8pm every night he is wild, rambunctious and loud and it about drives us crazy. He does anything Hudson tells him to, and is always willing to include Harlow or play with her in her room (which is her favorite). He could drink a gallon of milk a day. He has the sweetest shy smile. He has some great ninja moves that he's awfully proud of. He could play the iPad or Kindle for hours on end. And he gives the best full-puckered lip kisses. He is the perfect middle child, happy to be included but content being on his own. We love him a whole lot (and maybe just a little less during that 5pm-8pm period). Happy 5th Birthday Packy!