Thankful

We had a relatively small gathering for Kaden's birthday.  Our immediate family is about 25 people, so although we didn't invite any school friends or extended family besides our best friends the Oshiros, it was still a full house. 

Too much excitement for the B-man.  He passed out in my room.

Fun was had.  Funny faces were made.  

And the kids limboed like their lives depended on it.

The winner, obviously!

It's so important to me to try and make sure Kaden knows just how fortunate he is.  I had to have a brief talk with him in his room when he wanted to open all his new toys immediately instead of playing outside with his cousins.  I explained to him that the day was about being with his family, that they were all there to be with him on his birthday and that was the best gift he had received.  He went outside and played.

I don't know if he gets it. I don't know if you're even supposed to really get it when you're 5.  But, I do know that he was thankful for that day, for how special he felt.  Maybe the gratitude he feels for his family is buried under gratitude for gifts, cake and goodie bags, but I know it's there.  

And I am thankful for him.  He is my gift.