seven... really?!?

Caden turned 7 this week! I really can't believe time has moved this quickly. Next thing I know, he'll be 17... We've had our ups and downs this year with first grade. Most have them have been ups, but just learning how to raise a boy... it's hard! He's silly and strong, sweet and sassy... I had lunch with him one day and realized just how underpaid teachers are. Those kids burped, farted, spit, giggled and did just about anything they could do to get my attention! As frustrating as it can be, it's a constant reminder that it is the most important job on the planet. If Josh and I don't do it, who will?

Here are a few pictures from Caden's big day.

What were we thinking? A trampoline :)

His birthday was on a Monday, so we did the trampoline Sunday afternoon, so that he could enjoy it!

He was so surprised!

Handsome fella!

We woke him up with doughnuts and a celebration!

All of our extra time is spent at the ball fields these days, so a double stuffed cookie cake was definitely the only way to go! 

Thanks to MeMe and her love for Pintrest, we had cute party gifts. And, thanks to Sam's, we put 25 gifts together for about $15!

We've never had a big party for Caden before. He's usually had a few boys stay the night and we'll hang out and let them play. This year, Josh and I wanted him to have something different. He was so excited! We've learned a few things about parties once the kid is in school. 25 invitations don't last very long when you have 7 cousins and friends from school, church and baseball... We let Caden completely create the guest list. I know that we weren't able to invite everyone we wanted to, but we are SO thankful for everyone that was able to make it. The rain (a lot of it) came down just as the party started, and we were so thankful that we had gone the route of an inside activity! The staff at Pump it Up was outstanding! You get what you pay for. Everything was thought of and included!

The mad dancer schooled the instructor... "Ice cream and cake...."

That's a lot of hot air...

Caden- wise, funny, and lover of his mama!