Xander is five!

His preschool teacher Kaylene made yesterday's class
really special for Xander.


She knows how much he loves the show, so she made him an "America's Test Kitchen" birthday card. All his classmates also made him cards -- and Jade was very excited to tell me that he made Xander two cards.


Clare thinks Xander's preschool is also hers. Makes herself right at home.


Xander was so excited about opening his presents this morning that we didn't even wait for Clare to wake up. See, Mom? He definitely still likes Elmo and he loved your card.


What a great big birthday boy.


Excited about his new Hot Wheels car case. He's already pretended to vacuum with it, of course.


Superhero cape from Rachele and Troy!


His very own Wedgits from Grammy Eve and Grandpa Bill
(now he can stop stealing Clare's).


So many fun, thoughtful gifts! More magna-tiles, a Charlie & Lola DVD, and a Target gift card from Grandma Mary; a Barnes and Noble gift card from Rachele and Troy; hot wheels cars and a Tonka truck, a Sesame Street DVD, a Froggy book, and clothes from Grandpa and Grandma Harger; a wheelbarrow, wedgits, and a savings bond from Grammy Eve and Grandpa Bill; an awesome hide-and-seek Monkey toy from Annie and Neve; slippers, books, a new fire truck tent, and talking Charlie & Lola dolls from Mommy, Daddy and Clare; money from great-grandma and great-grandpa Oehlert, money from great-aunt Judy...he's been very spoiled. Thank you all so, so much!
He (and we) appreciate it.


Clare woke up after all the opening and learned the benefit of being a sibling: New toys for her to play with, too! (Xander's really good about sharing -- mostly. But Clare is not allowed to touch his car case.)


Laughing at the talking Charlie doll.


Playing with the awesome wood truck from Grandpa Charlie and Grandma Liz.