Five

Ben was counting the days and now he is five. 

He had clear ideas for his celebration:

1.  No chores.
2.  Presents.
3.  Sushi, shrimp kebabs, pesto and pasta, Oreo dessert, and popcorn.  I also made him beans and weenies (baked beans with hot dogs) for lunch, and chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast because it was fun to see his face light up.

Using M&Ms to make a car shape on his "cake"

punch balloons from Grandpa and Grandma

Last month when I made a purse for Genevieve, Ben requested one, too. I made vague noises and I think he forgot about it.

Isn't it so fun to plan a delightful surprise, keeping the secret and savoring the moment of reveal?

I took a pair of his Sunday corduroys that had worn through at the knees and used them as a basis for a bag.  We did tell Ben that most men carry bags, not purses.  He politely ignored us.

I bought an expensive half-yard of Richard Scarry fabric and used that to line the bag, create the zipper top, and line the strap.  I used a zipper top to keep Ben's precious things secure when he inevitably flings the bag around (why must children fling things?).  I did collect some bag ideas on my Pinterest board and study their methods, but in the end, I just made it up as I went along. 

I'm pleased with the bag itself and so is he, but it looks funny on Ben because it's so big.  I made the bag entirely after he went to bed and I never thought how big it might look with the little boy.  Because he is five now and that's so very big.  And small.  Oh, I have such mixed feelings about my children growing up!

 

And today, Ben and his daddy are on a special birthday trip.  They left very early to catch a train and the day promises to be full of delight.