Mandi McDougall Lifestyle Photography | Children, Family, Maternity, Senior and Newborn Portraits | Centralia and Olympia Washington

{Five years ago I decided to take at least one picture a day of Landon, for the whole month of February in celebration of his birth month. I borrowed this idea from Kerianne Brown, a fantastic photographer. Over the last five years, this compilation of pictures has become one of my most cherished possessions.}

And just like that, another 28 days worth of pictures is over. We had a wonderful day celebrating our favorite five year old! That big smile on your face says it all – you had a most wonderful birthday party day!

{Five years ago I decided to take at least one picture a day of Landon, for the whole month of February in celebration of his birth month. I borrowed this idea from Kerianne Brown, a fantastic photographer. Over the last five years, this compilation of pictures has become one of my most cherished possessions.}

I think she saw you as a sitting duck – fast asleep on the couch, luckily for you, not within reach! She chattered at you, squealed at you, and if it wasn’t for the space between you, I have the feeling she would have done her usual – give you a good wack and yanked your hair a little!

{Five years ago I decided to take at least one picture a day of Landon, for the whole month of February in celebration of his birth month. I borrowed this idea from Kerianne Brown, a fantastic photographer. Over the last five years, this compilation of pictures has become one of my most cherished possessions.}

I wonder what your wish was tonight, as you blew out your candle…. I know what I wish for you. That you will always keep your sense of humor, the sweet, protective way you take care of your sister, and your evil, silly laugh. That your fifth year might be the year we tackle table manners, once and for all. For all of us as we approach kindergarten, that you might transition with as much grace as possible. That your year would be full of more family, more friends, more learning, laughing and growing than any year before. We love you, Mr. Landon James.

{Five years ago I decided to take at least one picture a day of Landon, for the whole month of February in celebration of his birth month. I borrowed this idea from Kerianne Brown, a fantastic photographer. Over the last five years, this compilation of pictures has become one of my most cherished possessions.}

Compiling this list was pretty amusing. The things I wrote are far outnumbered by the things I didn’t: TV (yes, I think we know you like that). My tablet (you only mentioned it three times). ART (then you walked around telling me you like “this art” while pointing at several pieces of furniture I’ve painted). My friends (there wasn’t enough space on the chalkboard for the list of names you rattled off). Chips (you do have a junk food obsession).

I can’t believe tomorrow my little man is going to wake up and be five. Where has five years gone? I saw the best quote today – “Motherhood: The days are long, but the years are short”, and if that’s not the story of our life I’m not sure what is!