And Gabriel turns 6!!!

Gabriel is really 6.
I can't believe it.
The day before his birthday I reminded him that this was his last day being 5. As I said it, the reality of it fully hit me, and tears came to my eyes.
I just can't believe this little guy is growing up. He is my cuddley mama's boy (though already a bit less than he once was). He has promised me over and over that he will still cuddle me and that (as long as no one else really hears) I can still call him my Gabey-baby, but . . .
there is just something about my sweet Gabey. I hate to see the others grow up (Eli has been halted at 11 since 12 is just rediculously old for one of my boys), though, of course, I know it has to happen and that it is actually a good thing,
but my GABEY?
He's the boy that called me "mother" (actually "mudder") from age 2-4, though none of us knows where he got it.
He is the one who climbs into my bed and snuggles right in next to me every morning, and is upset when I would exercise before he gets up, 'cause I'm not in my bed for cuddle-time.
He's the one who always wants to come with me.
He's the only one who said "mama" before he said, "dada".
He adores his father (who wouldn't), but tells me often that he loves me more than anyone else in the world, except for Heavenly Father and Jesus.
I know that he isn't turning 18 and leaving my home. But I've seen how quickly 6 turns into 11. Now 11 has its charm, and 6 is adorable, but doesn't it just sound so much older than sweet little 5?

Okay enough sappy mom talk.


Gabe wanted a cowboy and indian birthday theme this year. He associates this with Lincoln logs (hence the 2-storey "log cabin" birthday cake).
For his little family party we played out a story about a Clever Cowboy. This is how he received some of his presents. Here it is:

One day a Clever Cowboy and his buddy were out exploring the frontier.
They came across a camp of Indians (Gabe opens his toy indian camp).

The indians were friendly, but were upset. They were upset because they couldn’t find The Dark Stallion. This very special horse belonged to the chief’s son. They knew that their enemies, a neighboring indian tribe, had taken him. (Eli and Adam in indian costume with weapons).

The Cowboys volunteered to help find the stallion. They knew it would be good for them to make friends with these good indians. There would be a battle, but they were prepared to fight. (Gabe gets two wooden pistols)

The battle began. Whoops were heard, arrows hissed by, feathers flew, and shots were fired. (Cowboy and Indians battle)

The enemy was strong and brave, but not as strong as our clever cowboy and his friends.

The friendly Indians were happy they had defeated their enemies. They were especially grateful for the wonderful help of the Clever Cowboy. The chief’s daughter presented him with a gift of thanks. (Gabe receives a new blanket)

Then the Chief invited the Clever Cowboy into his Teepee for a pow-wow. They agreed to help each other and be friends. (Gabe sees the teepee David, Eli and Adam put together for him)

The cowboy was thrilled to have some allies out there in the wild frontier. He invited everyone back to his log-cabin for a wild and crazy feast.

(Gabe wanted his lunch to have silly names: dessert juice, Slug slime--mac & cheese, rat tails--hot dogs, Mammoth muscle--cantaloupe, sliced rattlesnake--cucumbers, pig tails--cheeto puff twists, Grubs--baked beans, and lots of blood--ketsup. All eaten on animal plates, of course)

But, what about the special Dark Stallion? Hmmm, a mystery.

(Gabe didn't discover the location of the dark stallion until "cake time")

It was fun.

Gabe is happy to be 6 (but already looking forward to his 7th birthday).

We sure love our Ga-babe-riel!