Happy 5th Birthday, Landon!

Landy-Boy,

Wow.  Five years old!!  Daddy and I sat awake last night just taking it in.  We can't believe you are already 5!!  The time has just flown by.

It makes me sad that you are growing up so fast, but, honestly I'm looking forward to a fresh, new year for you.  The past year of your life has brought some pretty rough changes for you.  We moved away from the only home you can remember, and even though we moved closer to our family, you have had the hardest time adjusting.  You miss your friends, your surrogate family, your church (and class...and teachers!), and your school.  Now, just as you are settling in, we are moving again!  But, this time, its a good move...back to our very own home.  You were just a baby when we left there so you can't remember.  But, it will be wonderful to have a little more space and to be back in a place that we can call our own.

You also became a big brother (again) this last year.  Oh my goodness, do you love Laney Kate.  When she was still a very small baby, Daddy and I would notice how stinky her head was at night....from all the slobber of big brother kisses all day.  Most of those kisses came from you.  Now that she's more mobile, you can't catch her enough to give her that many kisses, but you still take care of her.  When she cries, you'll find her pacifier or sing her a song.  When she gets something she shouldn't, you tell her no, but gently take it away.  And, she adores you.

You have grown so much since you turned four.  Physically, you are a few inches taller (not much more in pounds, though, skinny-man).  Your speech has continued to improve by leaps and bounds.  And, you have matured SOOOO much, especially since you started preschool.

You have begun to notice some things that Ayden does, and have tried to do the same.  Like, you no longer like to just color a picture.  No, you need a piece of white paper so you can draw, just like your big brother.  And, you draw out an entire action scene, too. 

You're favorite things earlier in the year were Toy Story and Cars, but now you've moved on to Jake and the Neverland Pirates.  In fact, thats the theme you chose for your birthday party.  Its probably one of the most entertaining things I see when you sing the theme song (or really, any song!).

You are great at playing pretend.  You are a great helper.  You like to snuggle and are always quick to say, "I love you."  You are such a sweet boy.  We are all crazy about you. 

You are learning more about the Lord all the time.  Lately, you've been repeating a line from a VeggieTales movie, a lot.  You'll say, "Hey, Mama, when you're afraid, just give it to God!"  Thats right, bud.  And, you still like to sing "God's Not Dead" along with the radio.

I can't wait to see how you grow and change over the next year.  In just a few short months, you'll be a big Kindergartener.  Holy cow!!!  Time needs to slow down!!  But, more than anything, I want you to know that I'm so glad that I get to be here to watch you grow up.  I'm so thankful God chose me and Daddy to be your parents, and for you to be part of our family.  I love you so much, Landon Ryan Ball!!  Happy Birthday, sweet boy!!!

Love,
Mama