The Big Man is Five!!!

It was only five short years ago... On a beautiful sunny fall day, after a 23 hour labor, a Penn State victory over Illinois, and a lot of itching, our first baby was born. It was only two days later when we had to take Tanner home through 3 inches of snow - talk about our first major nervous parent moment! Well, there have been a few more nervous moments over the years, but we've reached the #5 milestone healthy, happy, and surrounded by great family and friends. Below are some pics from the memorable day.

Our birthday tradition - breakfast at the Waffle Shop (done it every year since Tanner's first birthday). Thirteen people served with the best breakfast in town in less than an hour so we could make it in time for Tanner's birthday party. AMAZING...


Tanner and Uncle Jason...


Carsyn munching down...


Time for the party!!! Tanner was soooo excited for his Roll-a-Round party at the skating rink (skating, bikes, scooters, etc.)...


We had the WHOLE place to ourselves, and the people running it were so great with the kids...


Carsyn got some rides in her coupe. She really liked it when Daddy skated fast pushing her around...


Mia's turn to push Brooks around...


Bill (Chris's Dad), Nancy (Amber's Mom), and Jason (Amber's brother)...


All the kids lined up for a game...


...with Tanner as the leader, of course...


Pizza for lunch!!! Many of Tanner's school friends were able to come, and he thought that was so cool...




Blowing out the candles (second time that day, first was the Waffle Shop!)...


Aunt Kamryn giving Carsyn some cupcake. Guess who Carsyn kept going back to...


Always Mr. Silly 0 hope it NEVER goes away (well, at least not totally!)..,


Carsyn found a push toy to try out on the floor...


Amber and Jason, having a good time as always...


The whole gang. Yeah, so we got a little carried away with the invites. Who cares - he only turns five once...


Mia with Carsyn and cousin Brooks...


After the skating party, it was back to the house to just hang out, which meant getting out last year's and this year's Halloween costumes and the boys playing superheros outside - thank goodness for the beautiful weather...


Tanner opening up his favorite gift - a bear Pillow Pet from Carsyn...


...and the most dangerous gift of the day - a Wii!!! Amber came downstairs the other night after putting Tanner to bed and had to ask whose birthday it actually was (I was "testing" things!)...


One more time to sing. First time without a shirt though!


Daddy, Tanner, Carsyn, and Mommy...


Grandma and Carsyn "cozing" on the couch...


The next day, most of the family stuck around for Tanner's last soccer game. Iit was a fun day, and I'm very proud of my team! Tanner and "Coach Daddy"...