Matthew's Birthday

This handsome boy turned 8 this week.  I have to admit that I had mixed emotions on his birthday.  I was so excited for the new adventures he will have, especially the baptism we are planning in the middle of all the birthday celebrations.  He is super excited to start cub scouts and all the things he will learn there.  I also had a few moments of nostalgic tears to see my first little boy all grown up.  Can it really have been eight years since his birth?  He amazes me every day with the things that he knows and the opinions he is starting to form.

He had a fun day on his birthday.  For one thing, he didn't have to go to school because we were still out on Fall Break.  He was pretty excited about having his birthday "off."  He stayed in his pajamas all morning and played legos with the brothers.  We headed to the store to pick up a few things for his birthday dinner, then spent the rest of the day making his cake, putting up birthday decorations, and just playing.  Of course the real fun started when daddy got home and we could finally open presents!

There was a lego involved (of course), some really fun books and a game, all of which were guessed by Ryan beforehand based on the size of the box.  Apparently we give the same kind of presents every year.  :)  But the big surprise came when dad brought out....

the new bike.  Total shock!  It was fun to see him so surprised.  He got on his shoes and took a few turns around the street.

After our bike riding adventures we came back inside for cake and ice cream.  Matthew decided he only wanted a chocolate cake with chocolate frosting.  Easy enough!

It was a fun day for all of us.

Some things about Matthew right now:

-He still lives and breathes soccer.  He can't wait for his next practice and/or game and is very aware of when Real Salt Lake has a game to watch on TV.

-He loves to read.  The kid can plow through books quickly, although he doesn't pay much attention to anything else while he's doing it.  Must have learned that from someone....

-He is a great helper and teacher.  He is usually pretty attentive to the needs of his brothers and helps them before I need to ask.  He likes to teach the boys the things he learns in school, although they don't always understand.

-I admire his strong testimony and his knowledge of the gospel.

-He likes to play games - Monopoly, Ticket to Ride, and Life being his favorites right now.

-Although he doesn't admit it, he secretly likes to be kissed.  I know he does.  :)