Five Years Ago...

...this sweet little bundle joined our family.

And Quinn has been a tremendous blessing to each of us.

We LOVE this little guy.

 

 Though he's not so little any more.

Quinn received a kite & ball from G-ma & G-pa M

 G-ma M stopped by on Easter Sunday prior to leaving town with Quinn's birthday gift (not knowing if they'd be back for his actual b-day).  He didn't mind opening something a few days early.

 Birthday Boy up bright and early - heading to Jamba Juice for the breakfast of champions.

 Excited to fly his new birthday kite.

 The "perfect" windy day.

Quinn & Kamay - soon-to-be kindergarten carpool buddy.

 A few nights ago Aaron was putting Quinn to bed when he began describing (in great detail) plans for his 5th birthday party.  Knowing we had no plans for a friend party this year, Aaron asked Quinn if he had talked with Mom about this.  His sheepish reply was, "Oh, I forgot."  Lovely.

Quinn & Paisley - primary pal

 Lucky for Quinn, he has a nice Mom that cancelled her plans to be at an awards luncheon in another state so she could host a last minute friend party:).

Quinn & Talon - primary pal moving next week

 Some of the games we played were - Pass the Present, Pin the Cottontail on Peter Rabbit, Steady Eddy Egg Relay, Balloon Bust, Pom-Pom Drop and Musical Marching.

Quinn & Dallas - his favorite preschool buddy.

 Cupcakes and ice cream sandwiches for the kids - nice and easy.

Quinn & Mia - primary pal

 In my haste managing the games, I forgot a group picture. 

At least I took one of each child after Quinn opened their gift.

 Brinley and Anna were around to help out and Jantzen came home mid-party to enjoy the scene.  The kids had a great time and then we drove them all home before the next party started.

Dinner on the "birthday plate"

The special dinner request was tater-tot casserole, watermelon and carrots.

 And for dessert Quinn wanted a football cake and mint chocolate chip ice cream.  Check.

 Making a wish...

 He loved the John Deere shirt and tractor toy from G-ma and G-pa P.  We chuckled about the fact that he will be wearing logo wear from G-pa's competitor.

 Along with the "Planes" tennis shoes that light-up (gotta love Payless clearance), Quinn was totally excited about receiving his very first bike!  He picked both items out himself last week so I knew he'd be happy.  Of course, I send Aaron back later to make the actual purchases so Quinn was still surprised.

The timing worked perfectly to have Bob and Janene and LaVerne join us for dinner and cake and ice cream.  They made the long return drive from St. George, UT today - so we'll have LaVerne around for the next six months or so.  Glad to have him back!

Jantzen with Great G-pa LaVerne

 Though it was getting late, the kids remembered we had to take our traditional birthday walk. The past few years Earth Day weather has been rather tumultuous. Wind and rain tonight.

 We bundled up.  And Quinn rode his new bike like a champ.

 Reading books at bedtime with my special buddy.

Five years ago right now - we were snuggling for the first time.

We love you Quinn.

Happy 5th Birthday!