The Lou-Dog

Let's visit the events of your 5th birthday my little man! :)

The kid party animals  -

The adult party animals -

Most of Lou's life he's been begging to hold a b-day party at Chuck E Cheeses.

I have always responded  - for your 5th b-day party.

Eventually and gratefully this day finally arrived - 

and he was not disappointed!

The party hosts giving directions

Lou rocks his crown while showing off his gifts.

Lou in the money tube anxiously awaiting the cash flow to begin swirling around him. 

Kids with Chuck E

His dream coming true....

Dear Lou,

The b-day party at Chuck E Cheeses seemed so far away in your life line and then it arrived. You're five. 

I always tell you to stop growing, that you're getting too big

and you respond,

do you want me to stop eating and be unhealthy? :)

(Because eating all of your food makes you grow big and strong and have big muscles - a regular conversational piece at the dinner  table.)

I'm always impressed by your good, thought through, logical response.

You say that when you grow up you're going to be an artist like Daddy.

I buy the cheapest reams of computer paper at the store and I think  you go through at least 30 pages a day. 
You love to draw. 
You love to ask me to look up different images on Google that you can copy and create.
If you see something magical on TV, the store, the street, you keep that little picture in your head until you can get it on paper.
Drawing is your love.
You are the perfectionist...
and the corrector. :)
If everyone could do things the RIGHT way it would bring you such joy in life.
Sometimes... well often times you and Ruckus struggle with this trait. But you also are a peacemaker so these little tiffs usually swiftly end with some compromise being made.
The baby adores you Lou! He repeats your name over and over again and you take such good care of him.
You so look forward to getting him out of his crib once his nap time is over and rush to help fill his sippy cup with milk.
You went through a Lego stage this year... spending every waking moment putting together some creation. 
Lego Ninjago.... was the biggest deal ever!
You like to design Lego models and gift them to your family members. So sweet. 
FRIENDS!
You can't quite understand why everyday can't be a day to play with friends. You are quite social and love a good play mate.
If we aren't doing something friend-wise that very moment you'll do a count down every day to see how many grueling days are left until the date arrives.
"Three more days until "so and so" comes over Mom"!
And seriously, you are so smart. 
Your recall is amazing.
We took you out of preschool because you could literally go to first grade next year and do amazing.
But I'm happy you'll only be a kindergartner.
I don't need you to grow up any faster than you already are.
You have a soft spot in your heart for your Mama and will defend my honor always.
You're such a sweet, sweet boy.
And incredibly handsome.
You'll be a ladies man one day...
but I know you'll seek out the right kind.
Your testimony is fierce.
You are so sensitive to the spirit and will break out crying when a spiritual moment arises.
You love good things.
For one Family Home Evening you drew a picture of Jesus on the cross to teach us about the atonement.
This story amazes you but breaks your heart at the same time.
"How could they do that to him?"
That was the sentence you asked your Sunbeam teacher, while tears were streaming down your cheeks, when she showed you the same picture a few years back.
It is clear you are a very special spirit and were born with a deep love for our Savior.
I love your testimony.
I love you my little son.
You bring my heart so much joy!
Love,
Mama