First, the morning of his birthday, he woke up to cupcake fruity pebbles cereal. (When I was growing up, my mom let us pick a junk cereal for our birthdays. My kids love this tradition. Luckily I found him a gluten free, casein free one. Whew!).
For the first time, Dylan wanted kids from his school class at his party. We were thrilled, so we let him invite as many as he wanted.
So many of his school friends are used to helping Dylan out since they've been with him since Kindergarten (like this boy helping Dylan look at the camera):
They let Dylan swim with his balloon, even taking it down the big slide.
Dylan loved all of his gifts, including this new sleeping bag and pillow from grandma.
He even shared his new toys with his sister and his dog!
The evening of his birthday, Dylan became a bear at Boy Scouts Blue & Gold. The leaders were so sweet to make a special cake for Dylan, gluten/casein free.
They all sang to him. What a supportive group of boys. 
Dylan is lucky! And now for my annual letter to my child on his birthday:Dear Dylan,
It's been another year of you beating all of our expectations. We put you in a regular classroom for more time than ever. You rose to the challenge and have bonded with your friends at school. You're looking at us and expressing yourself so well. I remember coming home from YW camp and you told me, "Mom, my hair gel fell off in the pool." I was so thrilled that you had something unique to tell me, that you thought of it all on your own. I didn't have to ask you a zillion questions only to get a "no." You are calmer than ever and growing in confidence. There's something so unique about you, my heart lights up when you are around. Your neurologist says your brain is about to really take off and I can't wait. I know he could be right. You've always been smarter than we've known. You stick with your new diet like a true champion. I'm amazed at your discipline. I hope I can learn from it. If you ever doubt yourself, know that I don't doubt you. You've worked so much harder and longer hours than most kids your age. It's paying off and you deserve it. I love when you laugh at me for hating Toyota cars. I love your dreams of working at GM factory in Dallas or Sam's Club so they will finally let you upstairs! It warms our heart to hear you pounding out songs on the piano without any lessons. You are unique 100%, I can't wait to see what the next year brings! Hugs and kisses, mom
