We had lots of fun celebrating a five-year-old this weekend.

Although I already shared birthday wishes on the big day I couldn’t resist posting a quick peek at some of the fun, festivities and birthday traditions.

Breakfast smoothie.

Everyone’s favourite special breakfast, crepes by Daddy.

A favourite gift.

Dapper fellow sporting some new duds – shirt from a grandma and grandpa, thrifted sweater from Auntie and a mommy-made bow tie (tutorial here).

Lemon layer cake whose layers really wanted to slide apart.

And many happy wishes.

Thanks for all the birthday greetings last week – Liam was very pleased to receive them.

Joining SouleMama today for this moment.

{this moment} – A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savour and remember.

I’m cheating by adding words but I had to say that he’s not angry just loves this silly face – and I do, too.

Happy Birthday, Sweet Liam!

Turning five is a big milestone. Babyhood remains only in memories and boyhood looms ahead. In some ways it seems hard to believe that this crazy, joyful, gentle child is only turning five but in the same thought hard to believe five years have passed since he entered this family. Such a spark, such adventure, such energy, laughter and, uh, lunacy this precious boy has brought into our life.

Gentleness is a trait I greatly admire and I love the measure I see of it in this beloved boy. His speed (and volume) are set a little higher than the rest of us but he’ll still slow down for a book, a snuggle or to care for a sibling. I have never heard an unkind word pass this boy’s lips. He is thoughtful and sweet. He will notice your new hair cut, new sweater or new recipe and compliment you on it with no realization that he is absolutely charming.

The kid practically has me swooning some days when he notices I brushed my hair!

He’s a treasure.

And a keeper.

And we all hope he stays this way forever.

Is that too much to ask?

Joining SouleMama today for this moment.

{this moment} – A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savour and remember.

Yesterday Dan and my sister took the three older children for their first visit to the ski hill. They did very well and were very fortunate to have not one but two instructors to themselves for the 90 minute class. They are rather timid and generally cautious little people so these new experiences, while thrilling for them, can be rather anxious times for them. They persisted through tumbles, runaway skis (and skiers) and tow-rope frustrations, coming back to me full of the day’s excitement and ready to hit the slopes again.

While they were off adventuring I had a quiet afternoon with the two smallest jays. Simon had his nap while Sarah and I sat out on the deck in the cool, sunny air. She chattered, sang and involved me in one of her great imaginative games while I took pictures (mostly of her sweetness) and tackled a few minutes with my knitting.

We had a lovely visit together.

Enjoying this view.

And this view.

With so many people in this dear family these quiet times are treasured and while I was eagerly awaiting news from the ski hill, it was nice to dream, imagine and play with this sweet little gift.