Peter Stephen.  Five years ago today, he entered the world so quickly, my mom and I weren’t sure we would make it to the hospital before he was born.  But we did.  Then we wondered whether Jim would make it in from Chicago early enough to see the birth of his son.  But he did…with 10 minutes to spare.  God’s timing is perfect.

Peter came into the world swiftly, and he has been running fast ever since.  He is unique, and I love watching how God is shaping him to be a mighty young man.

Peter had his birthday flight the week before Jim left, so that left this morning wide open for  *drumroll, please*  letter pancakes!  Ever since the birthday morning flights took over, I haven’t been making the letter pancakes–it’s good to have the tradition back, at least this once.  Jeanine joined the boys and me in Peter’s first fifth birthday celebration.

Then Mom came by in the evening to wish the 5-year old a happy birthday.  We had pizza and apple crisp for dessert.

Light those candles again…

Now, the apple crisp, as delicious as it was, had some serious competition with these:

Mom came bearing huge, colorful cookies and a balloon.  Peter went to bed with the balloon and is probably dreaming of sugar cookies as he sleeps tonight.