Matthew is Three!

Matthew has been celebrating his birthday since Monday. It makes since because Monday WAS his birthday. And on Tuesday, he got to celebrate with cupcakes for his class at school with Mrs. Suzie and Ms. Alex, along with his classmates. I made cupcakes on Sunday, and Mimi helped the kids frost and decorate them on Monday afternoon for the big trip to school on Tuesday.

But really, he kicked off his birthday last weekend with his grandparents and Libby during their trip to Chattanooga. 

Matthew got to ride on a REAL TRAIN! Libby and Diddy even changed cards while it was moving. They visited the zoo, stayed at a nice hotel, swam in a pool with BLUE lights at nighttime that was on the same floor they stayed on, AND visited the aquarium!

On Monday, he had a special birthday boy donut at breakfast. Then, he proceeded to spend the day playing with Mimi, and with Libby since she was home early for her half-day! 

Oh- and last Friday, she had "Mad Dash" again and Matthew and Mimi got to visit the school to cheer her on. She was so happy to see her little brother there. Also on Libby, we have half days this week because it's conference week. Michael and I sat down with her teachers on Monday and heard a glowing report about her work as a "model student." She's right on track with her grade standards, and a bit ahead in some, including math and reading. She had a wonderful report card, too! She participates in class, helps her classmates, works hard and helps her peers stay on their good behavior when possible, too. 

Of course, her writing and making connections work often features Matthew's mistakes, and various ways he has done her wrong. Pretty funny actually.

Matthew got a great report from his doc this week, too. He's 3'1, weighing 33.8 lbs., and those are the 75th and 50-75th percentile, respectively. Also, no shots this time and just the finger-prick. He was a pro about it. Just a tear or two.

On Sunday, the kids, Michael AND my mom, got to accompany me to a fun work BBQ. Nothing more all-American than a nice political BBQ event, complete with band. 

In addition to yummy food, shaved Kona ice and live music, there were TWO swings, and a vast field for which to frolic and run!

Nearly three!

My beloved boss-man.

I'd happy get family portraits here any time!

Matthew had a breakfast of his choice.

We ate Matthew's birthday dinner at the ever-wonderful Paradise Grill. We had tasty dinner, AND Matthew won a prize in the vending machine. 

Then, it was back home for cupcakes (decorated by the kids for Matthew's class on Tuesday, with Mimi's help) and gifts, of course. 

Both kids loved the traffic cones. And they have been enjoying them ever since!

Matthew was excited about his train sheets, too.

A bit of video for the proceedings.



And a train shirt, too!

Fun at Daddy's expense! I'm SO glad that I captured this one.

Opening his birthday card came last. Of course, he got his big boy room, which was his BIG gift, a couple of months early, too.



Then it was time for cakes, of course.

LOVE this shot.

Ta-Da!

Our little "Bouck," who more and more often, feels that we should not call him that, has been a light in our lives. What a blessing he is to each of us. We all adore him, want him to grow up to see what amazing things he has in his future. And at the same time, we want to keep him young, and the huggable, squeezable, funny, lighthearted, signing, light he is. What a future he has ahead. We are lucky to be a part of it.