Happy Birthday, CLAYTON!

Today is your day, sweet Clayton Joseph. You are 5! You are growing so big, so fast. We are proud of the kind, intelligent, and insightful young boy you are becoming. You are a lover of all sports. You have proven yourself at such a young age to have such a passion and focus for sports. You started your athletic journey as a Ninja Turtle on your first soccer team. You scored several goals and most importantly learned what it means to play on a team. You played basketball next on the Tarheels. Daddy coached you and, buddy, you were a stud on the court. Your focus and concentration is pretty incredible for a boy your age. Next up was baseball on the Red Sox and as the season winds down, Mommy and Daddy could not be more proud of the little athlete you are. Your fielding and hitting are awesome, big boy. We both absolutely love watching your play. As long as you love it, we will support your every desire. You love school and are a really good friend. You like to play two on two basketball at school with your buddies on the playground. Your teacher calls you an "old soul" and we agree. Clayton, you are so intuitive. You have a real understanding of people and their feelings and only like to do good. You are such a loving brother to Chloe and Easton. You enjoy talking silly with Chloe about farts and poop. You also like being the fireman and rescuing the princess from the "burning" playground. You love playing monster trucks, swords, and wrestling with Easton. You have  really good manners and you are a methodical eater. You love muffins, donuts, strawberries, sandwiches, Gatorade, pizza, sausage, and all things sweet. You are Daddy's best friend and are always at his side when he's home. You love practicing with him and building lego creations with him. You are very protective of your toys. You have hiding spots, shelves, and cubbies for just about everything. You like to wear sports jerseys, Nike, and Under Armor and really like to wear cool, tall socks with your Nike tennis shoes. You have a bag for everything...baseball equipment, basketball, soccer, hockey, racquetball, and golf. You are really concerned about what the next sport is that you will play and really want to play football and hockey. You love cuddling with Mommy too in the mornings (please don't ever tire of that, my boy). You understand right from wrong and learn from your mistakes really well. You love swimming and doing cannon balls into the water. You have a strong desire to learn, which is evident by all of the questions you ask. Mommy and Daddy are so honored to be your parents, handsome Clayton Joseph. Your blue eyes burst with the joy you bring us each and every day. Happy 5th birthday, Clay! We love you to the moon and back.

You had your very own birthday party this year. Your smile and excitement were infectious. You wanted a sports birthday party, complete with a full soccer field and basketball court.