Six!

Clayton turned six on Saturday! I can't believe it. I look at him and I can't help thinking back to the baby he used to be. The chunky, round headed little guy who loved Silky more than anything. The way he used to laugh so hard at the little vibrating hippo that bounced around the room. The way he used to sit in his bouncy seat and watch Jeopardy so intently. The way he looked when he sucked his thumb. The way he used to repeat everything you said. The way he used to get the meanings of the words 'mine' and 'yours' confused (and the way Rick used to exploit that one). The way he used to insist that we watch McQueen over and over again.

I can't help having all these flashbacks lately. He's growing up so fast and I just want to hit the pause button. Soon he's not going to want me to hug and kiss him before he gets on the bus. He won't need my help with his homework (or I won't be smart enought to help him). He won't want me to call him silly nicknames in front of his friends. Man alive!! I really need that pause button!!

Clayton is at a really great age though. He's becoming so independent and responsible. Here are a few facts about Clayton at 6:
- He still doesn't like fruits or veggies but at least now he will eat them!
- He reads everything. This includes him reading to Noah and Josie. It's the cutest.
- He is a backseat driver. It's funny, but kind of annoying. He likes to tell me how fast to drive and what street we're on and when to stop and go and where to turn, etc.
- He loves music. He loves to sing and he is a fast learner. He currently alternates between the second Article of Faith song and the intro to Rhianna's 'Disturbia' (an interesting combo, no?).
- His favorite movie is Matilda, which I also love!
- He loves the Wii! Especially Rock Band and MarioKart.
- His list of favorite colors is now so long that I can't keep up.
- He makes his bed EVERYDAY without any reminding from me.
- He remembers everything you tell him and will use it against you later.
- His current best friends are Noah, Landon, and Kambry.
- He's still one of the smartest kids I've ever seen. He learns so quickly and he remembers EVERYTHING. I'm constantly amazed by how smart he is!
- He loves his family. He's so good to his little brother and sister. They are lucky to have him.

Clayton had a great birthday. He's been looking forward to it for months so I hope it was everything he had been anticipating. He got his traditional birthday shirt, presents at every meal, Chuck E Cheese for lunch, a day with Landon, cake and ice cream with cousins, and a game of Trouble to end the day. I have pictures of this that I will be posting later, but for now I just wanted to say Happy Birthday Clayton. I miss the baby you were, but you keep getting better the older you get! I love you!!