Zayden Turns 7!

Our little man turned 7 at 7:17 a.m. on November 9th.  Sometime in the night he slipped in between Mike and I in our bed to sleep so that "we couldn't start the day without him."  When Mike got up for work at 6:30, Zayden was right behind him, just watching the clock, waiting to be 7.  

Zayden requested breakfast pizza for his birthday breakfast, and it was a hit with all.  

Yep, I'll stick candles in anything to be able to sing to my kids.

He simply couldn't eat with those presents looking at him, so he opened one before he dug in.

We were up so early Mike got to join breakfast before he left at 8.

After breakfast, a couple more presents...

He asked for a "fitbit," both because his watch broke, and because he wanted his steps counted.  We were pleased to find one that didn't require blue tooth and seems very simple to use.  Such a happy birthday boy.

(Also....24,204 steps today!)

And then the large box.

Since the weather was gorgeous and we were up early seizing the day, I declared we should head to the skate park after we sent Dad to work.

A nerf gun fight was on Zayden's birthday wish list, so I suggested taking that along to the skate park so they could use the ramps as fortresses.  

Such a fun morning.

After a couple hours of running, we stopped into Hy-Vee for a birthday donut and then headed home to wash up before the kids enjoyed them outside.

We were barely home before Papa Curtis surprised us with a stop by!

He brought a present and card from him and Grandma!

Papa headed out after a bit to go see Aunt Annette, and the kids played outside while I got lunch.  Zayden requested chicken nuggets and carrots.

I had saved back one present to open after lunch - a Lego set.  And as per my plan, that kept him busy for over two hours during rest/quiet time. 

Mia was a sweet friend and played Legos with him, including getting out all his other Harry Potter sets and entering his world of HP make believe.  

The kids went back outside for a couple of hours before supper and soaked up as much of our 70+ degree day as possible.  Supper was pigs in a blanket, tater tots, and roasted broccoli and we were able to eat and have dirt cake for dessert before heading to Awana and youth group.

Zayden you are so loved.

Your attention scatters but your focus when you're interested in something is bar none.

You have always had the best laugh and I hope that never changes.

You are witty.  You go 1000 miles an hour.  You love deeply and care greatly.

You were "late" coming earthside (mom's longest pregnancy at 42 weeks) and you still are rarely rushed.

You're a bit messy and sometimes forgetful but you make people feel loved, seen, and important.

And now you are SEVEN.

You, Zayden, are so treasured.  Today you said maybe you'll be a preacher when you grow up.  Then you said no matter what you become, you'll be a Christian.  We are thankful Jesus lives in your heart.  Happy birthday, little man.  You are a joy.