and a five year old!

May comes at us on little cat feet (stole that from Carl Sandburg since I am no poet) then we spend the month trying to herd cats.  Basically that convoluted analogy means that May is always a busy month for us with tball starting and school ending.  Smack dab in the middle of May is Benton's birthday.  I remember when Dr. Carney scheduled my induction for May 15, 2008, and I thought how perfect the timing was in the last week of school and 12 weeks before the next school year started.  At that point I never thought about planning a birthday party in the midst of end-of-school programs and final exams (and let me not forget the infringement on Mother's Day).  Nonetheless, I love this little boy fiercely and would move Heaven and earth--or at least plan a party during a stressful time of year--to make him happy.
This was the first time Benton was in school on his birthday, so we sent cupcakes (with Star Wars toppers) to school and David came to the cafeteria at lunchtime bearing a Happy Meal.  He also requested Pepper's for supper that night.  Laid-back kid.  I like it.
We had his Star Wars-themed birthday party at Jump.  This was a brilliant decision since I literally showed up with a cake and juiceboxes and the Jump people handled the rest.  Benton and his friends had a blast. 
Benton will forever be the boy in the middle of two emotional (Lindsey) and sassy (Kate) girls, and he will forever be my favorite little boy.  We love this five year old so and are so grateful for that snaggle-toothed smile and constant happiness he brings.

It's fun to have a cousin who is your best friend!  Benton and Tripp love spending time together, and at this age they stay out of trouble.

Couldn't be any cuter.

Benton requested a cake with Darth Vader and Yoda.  The amazing cake lady delivered.  Around the bottom layer it said "Have a happy birthday, you must."

Kate and Sophie.  Hmmm, wonder what kind of trouble we can get into next?  They are so much alike and both bad to the bone.

In the two and a half years that we have been a family of five, this is probably only the second time that we achieved a picture with all five looking at the camera and smiling.  If we weren't in the crotch of a blown-up Batman, I would save it for the Christmas card.

The only Pinterest-inspired part of the party--light sabers made from pretzels.

This little girl loves her Popsey.