In true Northwest Spirit...

As soon as the temperature rose above 65, it felt tropical.  That means that summer outfits and running through the fountain are required.  

5!

Logan has been five for two whole weeks.  Two weeks of increasingly grown-up behavior, happiness, and increased independence.  Five is amazing.  Five makes me forget what two, three, and most of four were like.  Five is filled with singing made-up songs, spontaneous dance moves, hilarious commentary, and fantastic explanations for behavior (i.e. "I was not designed to sleep for long and have never done it.")

Five brings with it a long-legged, happy, enthusiastic, curious, and still not-sleeping late little boy who is no longer that little.  Kindergarten looms on the horizon and is a constant topic of conversation.  There are swim lessons, soccer classes, and gymnastics classes.

More than anything, it is amazing to look at and speak to my son.  To hear his thoughts about opinions about the world and his surroundings.  To watch his understanding of everything grow - from the universe to animals to family.  Most conversations reveal insights into his thought process and I find that to be incredible.

Watching Logan with his PEPS friends celebrating their fifth birthday together was amazing.  These kids have known each other since they were around four to six weeks old.  We began photographing them in a group early on and this year were able to take a photo of them in the order we took it at Six months.  So here they are in their baby version and in all their grown-up glory:

I couldn't love "5" more and cannot wait to see what this year will reveal.

The Best of Logan 4.5 years to almost 5...

did you know ladyBugs eat Infants?!!! Wait... I mean aphids.

Toe naming by Logan: little, medium, big, large, humongo

"I have great news... I've decided to keep my imaginary friends!"

I dreamt that all the stars fell from the sky and became cookies and no one was hungry anymore

I just zipped it and swallowed the key so you don't have to worry about me yelling again.

help! Our dog is like a hyena and he's coming to get me!!!

good morning mama! I'm going to tell you a story but I need you to do the sound effects.

Charlotte: Logan I'm your girlfriend!

Logan: fine but I'm not marrying you!

(mumbling in his bedroom during a time out): I'm pretty sure that violated the code of chivalry...

are you taking a break from dresses today?! You can because it's Friday.

I'm so glad I picked you to be my mommy. I'm sure I wouldn't have loved any of the other ones

this tastes weird. It can't be organic

my wedding to Charlotte is going to be so awesome people will think it's a movie. Let's invite the whole town!

tree snails?! I've only heard of land snails!!

First Non-Family Sleepover

Logan had his first non-family sleepover at Charlotte's house this past weekend. I had to pretty much drag him away as he had such an excellent time with Mark, Diane, Charlotte and Henry. (although to Henry's delightful credit, he has stopped asking for a sibling!)

Logan had an amazing time at Gym 'n' Swim, the Museum of Flight, and just playing with Charlotte. Diane continues to amaze me with her amazing mom-skills and ideas (dying shaving cream to create paintings!!) while simultaneously doing everything else and cleaning her house. So amazing and lovely! We are so lucky to have such fabulous friends.

And on and on and on...

I have been derelict in my posting duties. So much has happened since last August.

September - Logan decided he should really be attending kindergarten as many friends were starting. It was hard to convince him otherwise.

October - Logan and I went to San Diego on our first mom/son vacation alone for a week. After visits to Sea World, the Wild Animal Park, and the San Diego Zoo he declared us "a family" and decided to be an animal safari rescuer (I am invited along to Africa should I choose to work for him)

November and December - Thanksgiving and Christmas all rolled together this year interwoven with a busy work and activity schedule. (Swimming, Soccer, and Gymnastics for Logan). He had a great time and received so many lovely gifts. Ever the charmed life!

January - School interviews for kindergarten began for me and Logan. Quite the process for him and for me.