OH WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES...

This handsome young man just turned 5!!!  Yep, Benham James is officially headed to Kindergarten this Fall. 

He's one very special boy who is adored by his family and friends, and a joy to be around (well- "most" of the time... is whining hard-wired in all kids!? :)

He's a smart little whippersnapper, and a hard worker who has been a tremendous Big Brother and helper to Mommy and Daddy.

He's a great friend...

A thoughtful and kind Benny... 

Hey look... I graduated from Montessori preschool!!  See, it really says so on this diploma!

Alas, with all of this we decided, "Ok- I guess he's earned a birthday celebration this year..."

Big 0-5... here we come.

We had gobs of friends join us for an afternoon of....

 Fishing for prizes- way to go Quinn!

Face Painting- thank you, Peter!

Looking good ladies (Makena, Lili, Nola)...

Cooling off with the sprinkler and bouncing about (We let 14 kids have control of the sprinkler- which quickly evolved into "Slip and Bounce").

And chowing down!  An extra thank you to Grammy Jackie for the awesome Star Wars cake- what a special birthday treat.

We had a special appearance from our very best/oldest buddy Weston and our dear friend (and former Nanny), Trish.  Benny lit up with excitement and the boys nearly bowled each other over with a welcome hug- very sweet.

Benny celebrated with Weston (aka "Money) in May for his 5th birthday.

Smile :)  Ahhh- we miss you guys.

Don't worry, Little Brother was not overshadowed- he made his way around the party cuddling with the party goers- Trish was first (and didn't want to give him up!)

 Grammy got her cuddling in with a sleepy Sammy.

 Daddy and Sam found time to just kick back and relax.

Kirin played Auntie while Mommy helped corral the big kids and organize the cake celebration.

It was a fabulous celebration, and this kid had a blast!!  Many thanks to all of our friends and family, near and far, who joined in the festivities, sent gifts, cards, and called to wish him well.

HAPPY 5th BIG GUY!   

___________________________________________________________

And- here we are one year ago... HAPPY 4th BIRTHDAY Benny Boy!!

We hosted the party at the (then) NEW Pirate Park, and Grammy whipped up these fabulous and festive cupcakes... a big hit with the mateys.

 Benny had a great time with his buddies (here he is with Nola).

We had a treasure hunt... 

Over there, over there!!!

The Lairds made a cameo appearance from Portland- we loved have them join the festivities (Uncle D and Mommy).

 Benny and Jackson caught up over a little afternoon cartoon.

Back to 2012- and here is our big 5 year old, Benham James.  He rounded out his special day with a Turkey Burger, Fries, and a giant Oreo Milkshake at Red Robin (yikes- thank goodness we only go there about 1-2 times/year). 

After all of the birthday festivities and shenanigans, Mister "I am NOT tired, and I won't be able to nap, Mommy!" was discovered like this 3 hours into his non-nap :)  Hmmm... Mommy really does know best sometimes, huh?  

Attempt #1 to flashback to the past and make up for a year lost on the blog.  

Happy 4th and 5th Birthday Benham James- we love you loads and are so very proud of you.  

XOXO Mommy, Daddy, and Baby Sam