Wednesday 20th was Toby's 5th birthday; he's been looking forward to it and counting down for months! He was up and ready to celebrate at 4:55am and I felt a little bad sending him back to bed, though that only lasted for half an hour.
Apart from wanting any advertised tat he saw on tv, the only thing he really asked for was a big box of chocolates to share (like daddy got for his birthday). That was easily arranged and we supplemented that with a portable football goal, some new shin pads, googles for swimming and a few books.
After last year and his big party, this year was going to be a small one. We thought perhaps he might choose to take a friend or two to the cinema or bowling but all he wanted was a few friends for tea. I was quite happy with that though surprised by just how noisy five boys can be (especially after lots of sugar)! We did our annual chocolate egg hunt, usually it's nice enough to go outside but this year it was freezing and it was snowing again this weekend. I don't know if the other boys had done this before as it caused great excitement. I suspect we will be finding undiscovered chocolate around the house for at least the next week or so.
There was also a few mini games of football as the goal was up in the dining room - probably not the most sensible activity at that point and it was only by small miracle that nothing got broken (bones included in that statement!). Toby requested a dragon cake and after looking for ideas that I might be able to replicate, I decided to cheat a little and do a Chinese dragon rather than a 'dragon in a cave' type one. He seemed happy enough with it so that's all that matters and greatly enjoyed his party too.
Today, we planned on going out for the day, somewhere of Toby's choosing. However, with the snow and the fact that it is freezing, we changed our plans and stayed local. First we went swimming and took his swim toys (and googles of course) to the pool with us. He's doing pretty well with his swimming lessons, has ditched his armbands and keeps getting moved up groups. As much as both he and Beth enjoy lessons, they predictably far prefer fun swims! After that we had a takeaway lunch and that is being followed by a movie afternoon complete with popcorn in front of the fire. :)A perfect birthday week!
Oh, the last photo on the left is from 5:35am and Toby saying, "So, where are my presents?"!
