Our big boy turns 6!!!

Ok so maybe we spoilt him just a little??? But just look at that cutie patootie face.... and besides the biggest parcel there was a doona so really not that exciting to a 6 year old.....

I can hardly believe that it has been more than 6 years since Riley came screaming into our lives. In a way it all seems like just yesterday but as I sit here watching him play with Emily, I cannot imagine a day without him. He is such a kind, gentle loving and incredibly funny little boy who brings joy (and challenges) into our lives every day.

This past year he has moved schools again from Oakville to Sudbury and has entered Grade One. He is doing so very well at school and we are so proud of him. He is reading anything and everything he can get his hands on and besides all the transformers and bakugans that he got for his birthday I think his favourite present has to be the Captain Underpants books that he got from his cousin Alex back home. They have opened up a whole new world to him and he is loving every minute of it.

Since his last birthday Riley has also tried his hand at acting which he totally enjoyed and although it was one episode on one show (which as of Jan 9th 2010 has still yet to air) he thinks he is a big TV star now. He is very interested in trying to learn the guitar and to get back into soccer too. He is still missing all his family and friends from home and all the wonderful friends that he made in Joburg but he seems to be fitting in well here at his new school and has a few close friends too. It will be a really good thing for him for us to be settled here for 2 years as he will get to be involved in sports and other activities and build his friendships and life experiences.

He is always looking ahead to the future whether it be returning home to Australia and getting another dog (he still misses Jezza and BJ) or what he wants for his next birthday or whether or not he will be having dessert tonight. He is quick witted (yes Mum I think that may be what you call Karma) and funny and enjoys making people laugh. He is a very good big brother and loves Emily more than I can ever say. Watching him with her warms my heart in a way that I never knew possible, he is always begging for more siblings as now he has figured he wants a couple of brothers (not going to happen by the way!).

We are loving every day with our little man and are enjoying watching him grow and learn. Here's to the year ahead whatever it may bring to him!!

Birthday cake #1 Mummy's home job kinda sad looking I know but geesh it tasted GOOD!

The week after his birthday we had a party in a local gym (gym as in gymnastics type). It was a lot of fun and the staff were great at showing the kids how to use different things like the built-in trampolines and the other equipment (ok so I don't know the real names of them - leave me alone! LOL) The kids all ran around like chooks with their heads cut off and then came in the party room (which was crazy confined) for some pizza, cake and present opening. Riley was very spoilt and got loads of awesome gifts all of which he loved.

Having that many 5 and 6 year olds in one little closed up room was something only crazy people do on purpose! Just for the record I DID NOT KNOW that the room was that small and closed or I would have come armed with ibuprofen and vodka!

Cake #2 might have looked better but I swear my home jobby tasted much nicer! Oh and that little finger smudge was from an eager little beaver named Emily I believe......