We celebrated Bracken’s 5th birthday on Sunday. 5th?! I know, I can’t believe it either. For some reason, five feels like a huge number to me and a bit shocking. He’s not a baby anymore, he’s not a toddler anymore, he’s five. Wow. I’m still wrapping my head around that one.
My mom’s visit wasn’t the only thing we were busy getting ready for last week, we were also preparing for Bracken’s celebration. Besides the cleaning, we made lots of food and I was up a bit past bedtime the night before baking some paleo cupcakes (a recipe I’ve been working on.) The frosting was a total experiment, but turned out beyond my expectations and so many people asked for the recipe (which delighted me) that I will happily be sharing it here soon.
We’ve always had small birthday celebrations, but this year we had such a great gathering of friends celebrating him and I’m sure it was his favorite birthday yet. Our home and yard filled with his little friends laughing and playing felt like such a blessing. We lucked out with warm, beautiful weather and the day was just so fun. Bracken blew out the first birthday candle and then his friends helped blow out the rest.
After roasting hot dogs around the fire for the first time over the summer and enjoying it so much, he said he wanted to do that for his birthday celebration too. Some friends stayed later for that and I don’t think Bracken could have enjoyed himself any more than he did that day, he was so pleased.
I’ve been feeling so grateful that Bracken has so many people in his life who love him so much. It meant so much to us, everyone who came and those who traveled so far to be there. The gifts were so thoughtful and some nearly made my heart burst. Just thinking about the day still warms my heart. The celebrating has continued, and tomorrow, the 14th, is his actual birthday. Tomorrow, he’s officially five.
Happy 5th Birthday Bracken!
He looks so very happy in all these photos! What a magical day it must have been <3 I don't think I have said it before but I adore our home. It looks so cozy!
Thanks Nicole! That’s what I always think about your home! 🙂
Your photos are filled with so much fun. Looking forward to the recipe too.
Oh what fun he must have had! It looks like everyone had fun really. And what a great day too. Happy happy birthday to Bracken! I can’t believe I have been reading your blog since he was a baby.
So do the cupcakes have any sugar in them? They look so good.
I’m honored that you’ve stuck around since then, Kris! And about the cupcakes- they have no sugar in them. The cupcakes are sweetened with bananas only and the frosting is sweetened with bananas and dates. 🙂
They sound amazing!
Happy birthday Bracken from another Oct 14th baby. Hope you guys had a great family day. I always have a special thought for Bracken on his birthday as i go through my day too.
with love
That’s so special you guys share a birthday!!
Happy Birthday, Bracken!
Happy Belated Birthday, Master Bracken!
I can see great fun was the word of the day for everyone.
Love the expressions of happiness.
This will truly be a birthday to remember.
((Hugs))
Looks like such a fun celebration! Happy Birthday Bracken! It is great to be five!!!
Happy birthing day, mama! I have just discovered your blog, and am enjoying reading about your sweet family. My daughter (only child) just turned 5 in August. It is a whole new world! I look forward to seeing the vest! I just finished my daughter’s birthday vest last night! Oh, well…it’s my first knitting project ever, so I suppose giving myself such an important deadline was not the best idea. 🙂 She is thrilled nonetheless, and she thinks it’s funny to be wearing her “summer sweater” (it’s cotton and linen yarn) with her woolies and a turtleneck underneath.
Wishing you all the best from Alaska!
Thanks Chris! Great to hear from you, glad you found this space. 🙂 Wow, I’m impressed you made a vest for your first knitting project ever! A “summer sweater” with warm layers underneath sounds perfect. 🙂
Hard to believe he’s 5 already! Happy birthday Bracken!
Happy Birthday our 5 year old friend <3 <3 <3
Wow! That looks like a very fun birthday party! Those are wonderful photos. thanks for sharing them.. Happy 5th Birthday Bracken.
What an amazing birthday. So precious for Bracken to be surrounded by so many who love him. He looks so very happy. I have nominated you for the Blogger Recognition Award. Please don’t feel obliged to join in but I wanted you to know how much I enjoy your blog. You can find the post here.
https://creativityandfamily.wordpress.com/2015/10/14/where-do-i-start/
Sharon x
Thank you so very much Sharon!! I feel honored!! 🙂
happy birthday, bracken!!!
I love the picture with him and his friends behind the cupcakes – his expression made my day- this is beyond excitement…this is what real joy looks like!!!
just noticed- there are so many with him and the cupcakes- I’m talking about the 6th from above 😉