Lucas Turned Five

I realized I left a very important event off my summer highlight reel! On July 24th, Lucas turned five years old! A whole hand! We definitely wanted to celebrate this little guy and all that makes him special.

It started here. 

July 24, 2009

Love at first sight.

Lucas Gabriel Galloway

2 weeks old

I love his big brown eyes, his thick black hair, his round little face and chubby kissable cheeks!

From the start, he was a sweet, easy baby.

His first Easter, 2010

My mom called him her "Beautiful Boy."

And that beautiful boy turned into a fun, outgoing toddler. 

Lucas, you have always charmed everyone with your smile.

That toddler continued to grow into a little boy who plays rough and tumble, but loves big.

Here is my little cowboy on his 4th birthday, July 2013.

My superhero in training

Lucas, November 2013

For my guy's big 5th birthday, he started his day by going to my mom's sister's house (my Aunt Lindell). We went swimming at her neighborhood pool, then she made a special birthday lunch--pizza and a "cookie cake" complete with candles to blow out. Seeing my aunt on my kids' birthdays is important to me because she represents my mom's presence. My Aunt Lindell [pronounced "Lynndull" not "Lynn Dell" by the way] is the closest thing to my mom. She and my mom were so close, best friends they would say.  And of course, she had a present for him to unwrap!

Heading out wearing his new birthday Minecraft Superhero shirt.

Blowing out candles at Lindell's house

After swimming and lunch it was time to go home and make the cupcakes for the evening's big birthday party with friends. He requested chocolate cupcakes with chocolate frosting and "a strawberry on top!" What my boy wants for his birthday, he shall get. Within reason. :)

These look good here, but in the July heat they melted a bit. Wah wah. Still tasted good though and that's what counts!

For the fourth year in a row, we did a combined birthday party with our friends' daughter, Marlee. My friend Nikki and I were pregnant with our third babies together. I had Lucas on July 24th and she had Marlee on July 27th. Lucas and Marlee are the best of friends (and hopefully future spouses!) and most of their small circle of friends is the same. So it makes sense at this point to do their parties together. This year we met up at Hafer Park for dinner, cake, and presents. Then our birthday party drove next door to Pelican Bay Aquatic Center for an evening swim. Yes, he swam twice on his birthday!

All set up at Hafer Park!

Who's having a birthday?

These two, that's who!

Happy Birthday to you......

Make a wish, son. 

I hope all of your wishes come true.

My precious Lucas, 

You are a wonderful gift to your father and me! I am so happy and so thankful that you are a part of our family. You make us laugh every single day. And your sweet smile warms my heart.

I love how you adore your big sisters. I love that you can play soccer with full intensity, then come to the sidelines, hug me, smile and say, "Love you Momma!"

You are smart and giving and loyal. You are a good friend and you make others feel welcome.

God has big plans for you, Son! You are valuable beyond measure.

Please know that wherever life takes you, you will always be deeply and unconditionally loved.