Nice To Meet You "5"

"4" was not a good year in this house. Rascal and the age of 4 was a constant battle of wills, emotional meltdowns and general self-centered suckatude. It was a long year for us all.

And then this past weekend I saw the change. "5" has arrived! Glory be "5"!

Rascal seems to have a new set of manners and confidence. Unprompted "thank you for my present", compliments to the chef, genuine concern about other people's feelings and the ability to get through 2.5 hours of preschool without even a hint of a meltdown in sight shows me that we might be turning a corner into the beautiful new chapter of our lives.

We had 3 birthday parties for Rascal in 3 days. We're nuts over here, I know!

Saturday was a fun filled day with neighborhood friends, a massive jumpy tent in the backyard, an art spinner machine and the hugely popular snow cone machine. A good old fashioned birthday party.


Sunday was the "family" party and we enjoyed good weather, good conversation and a winning 49er game (which was very important to the Tonester half of the family!). Rascal was sweet and polite when opening his presents, made an honest effort to thank everyone on his own and seemed comfortable in his new 5 year old skin.

Monday was the big preschool party. Well, not really a party, but more of a day that acknowledges and celebrates him. He led the parade with a Snoopy flag (perfect!!), shared his favorite snacks, gave the school a present (Mo Willems "I Am Invited To A Party" - love it!) and even gave all the kids a small Snoopy ring with an explanation that "everybody only gets one - that way there's one for everyone and nobody gets sad".

We went to our local Mexican restaurant for dinner, per Rascal's request, and he charmed the waitress with his manners. "It's my birthday!" he announced with a big grin and had a conversation with her about all the fun stuff he's been up to lately. Then he asked her if he could have "one of those tastiest-ever quesadillas and some of that yummy rice". She even brought over a special dessert to celebrate.

It's been a long 3 days - but the past 5 years have just flown by.

I can't wait to hang out more with "5". He's a pretty cool kid.