Six!

Year 5 flew by and now our big boy is 6 years old!!! Cannot believe it. Wednesday morning before school I made him some special birthday pancakes with sprinkles, and we put candles in them and sang happy birthday to Matthew.

After breakfast he had a few minutes left to open some of his birthday gifts from us and from Grandma & Grandpa. He couldn't play with them though because it was time to head out to school for the day. I sent him to school with pumpkin muffins to share with his class since cupcakes aren't allowed. I heard they went over well. That evening we went to Chick-Fil-A with Joy, Ava & Henry for a celebratory birthday dinner complete with my favorite seasonal peppermint and chocolate chip shake. Yum! Once we got home Uncle Tim & Aunt Pam stopped by to see the birthday boy and give him his birthday present. Books! I was excited about that one. So is he. We've read Super Diaper Baby a few times now. Potty humor is a hit with 6 year olds.

Thursday afternoon we had a special treat--Poppi & Gran came to visit us! We had a really nice time catching up with them. It was a lovely day so we spent some good time out in the backyard running and throwing the football around--with Matthew making up the rules of course.

We had a nice dinner, and then got to enjoy the delicious cupcakes that Ann brought for Matt's birthday.

He loved them; we all did! It was really wonderful getting to spend time with my dad and Ann and watching them play with the boys. We look forward to another visit soon!

Saturday was party day. Matthew requested an Angry Bird's themed party this year. It makes sense because every morning when he wakes up he plays it on my phone before breakfast. He's become quite skilled at it too, I might add. So, we had pizza, cake, a pinata, and this awesome bounce house...

Not fitting with the theme, but for the price I got for it it was a fun choice. We had fun on that thing all day long. And no one got hurt! Well, except for Bryan who got pile-drived in the back by Matthew later in the afternoon. Sorry about that, Bryan.

At cake time everyone came inside to sing happy birthday to Matthew. I stood around and couldn't believe the number of people that were crowded into my house. Half of them I really didn't even know.

You see, I decided to invite Matt's kindergarten class. I really thought only a small number would come. Boy was I wrong. 11 kids from his class came. So, we ended up with 26 kids and their associated adults plus family members. It was a big crowd this year! Thankfully, Matt wasn't overwhelmed and seemed to quite enjoy himself. That was one loud birthday song, too. The video of it is awesome.

After cake it was pinata time. Only 4 kids got to hit it this year. Karsyn was the one to crack it open. I couldn't believe it busted so quickly. That never happens! Usually it takes an adult, but I guess these kids are getting stronger; at least Karsyn is.

Then it was a frenzy for the loot. Once that was over most of the school kids left. It happened to be excellent timing that another little boy in Matt's class was having his birthday party at noon, and so the school friends left to go to that party.

Then it was the after party! Close friends and family stayed to keep jumping and to watch the very sad Longhorn football game.

More people left but the Moran family and Zach & Ava stayed around awhile longer. The kids played in Matt's room and constructed an awesome city from train track, Legos, and cars. And there was more bouncing of course.

Matt got to open his gifts and he got a large number of Legos. We have had a lot of fun putting them together over the last few days. Will has yet to disassemble them. Yet. We got our money's worth out of that bounce house; the kids had a blast. Will did some impressive acrobatics.

It was such a fun birthday celebration for our Matthew. He is one spoiled and loved kid. I am so thankful that he is in my life and that God has given us the great responsibility of raising him. He is a pure joy. Happy 6th Birthday Matthew Thomas!!!