Gus Turns 5!

Five years ago today our tiny fighter burst into the world (on the other side of the world). He gave Adam and I a new perspective on life, and he has been blessing our lives ever since. Opinionated and articulate from an early age, he's been composing songs since he was about two (mostly about people he loves and things he enjoys--one of my favorites is about a world where you have to eat sugar all the time and protein only sometimes). He is a thoughtful son, a doting big brother, and a creative, intuitive kid. We love him so.

Friday morning we were all waiting for Gus to get up so that we could say Happy Birthday and give him his presents.

Lu got him the Lego mini figure he'd been drooling over. He'd been asking me repeatedly if anyone would get it for his birthday. When he realized what it was, he grabbed her and gave her a huge hug, which she soaked up. It was very sweet.

Assembling the mini fig.

He got a tablet loaded with books and apps from Mom and Dad.

And a bow and arrows from Auntie Chelle.

I set up some "bad guys" in the backyard for his party the next day.

After dad showed him how, he took some practice shots.

Party Time

The next morning he helped put the finishing touches on his cupcakes.

When I asked Gus what he wanted to do for his party, he said he wanted it to be a "create your own superhero" party. Which I thought was a really cool idea.

Along the way, Angry Birds snuck in. As they do.

There were capes for everyone.

And a mask-making station.

 

Our Super Birthday Boy.

And his Super Sister.

The giant Angry Birds game was a hit.

It kept the kids busy for a while before they started jumping in the boxes themselves and building rockets and such.

Lunch was served.

Greger is a little disappointed that he only got pumpkin.

There were bands of wandering warrior girls.

And bubbles.

Lots of bubbles.

Then it was cupcake time. Gus actually doesn't like the Happy Birthday song. He requested that we sing a song of his own creation, so our family did that on his birthday. But we sang him the standard song during his party. He gritted his teeth and got through it for the promise of his cupcake, but he did cover his ears at one point.

Blowing out his candle after the torturous singing.

The frosting is always the best part.

Gus takes the inaugural pinata swing.

Lu has a whack at it.

Laura was the one that knocked it off and Gus dumped it for everyone.

Lu was very excited about her brother's presents.

Gus and daddy spent an hour after the party putting together his new Lego brick set.

The kids (who could be coerced into getting in front of the camera) being scary.