Tommy's Party- Part Three!!

Tommy's actual birthday fell on a Thursday this year.  He was so excited to go to school because the principal announces the birthdays over the intercom in the morning.  It was so important to him that I even emailed his teacher the night before to make sure he didn't get forgotten!  Instead of birthday treats, they ask that the birthday child donates a book to the classroom library.  Tommy chose a book about snakes :)

After school we met Nonnie, Aunt Kristina, and Andrew at Treat Street for a birthday lunch (which included ice cream and candy of course!), then headed to Book Bug to pick out books, and then drove to the mall for a Build a Bear trip.  The boys had so much fun!  It may have been Tommy's favorite part of the whole birthday week and Henry just kept saying "WOW!"  They loved it.

That night Nathan and I had Bible study at church so we Tommy opened his gifts from us quickly and then Nonnie and Papa came to babysit and brought a small cake for him.  He had a wonderful day!

His birthday crown from school!

Henry takes Build a Bear very seriously.  He doesn't dilly dally- he has a bear to stuff and brush!

Tommy chose a dog

Henry is always a sucker for the limited edition bears.  This time it was a green St. Patricks day one.

Henry's favorite part

Opening gifts from mommy and daddy!

Six years old!

Tommy's Party- Part Two!

Sunday night before his birthday we celebrated with the Batts side.  Tommy has wanted an animal jungle party for forever, so an animal jungle party is what he got!  We had a jungle safari for the cousins to go on when they first arrived- they each got a sheet with pictures of hidden jungle animals and had to find five in a row or across to get a prize.  They had fun!

Audrey was kind enough to help Henry hunt for animals!

Ellie and Tommy teamed up :)

Singing to the birthday boy!

Happy Birthday Tommy!

Tommy's Party- Part One!

Tommy's birthday celebrations seemed to last forever this year!!  He had alot of fun turning six!  We started the hoopla off with a friend party at the bowling lanes on a Saturday afternoon.  He invited the ten other boys in his class and eight of them were able to come.  They were fun to watch because it was the first time bowling for several of the boys.  They had the bumper lanes and each of them thought they were the best :)  After bowling two games we did cupcakes and opened gifts.  It was a fun (and busy!) afternoon!

Bowling

The birthday boy

Tommy's request for all of his parties was chocolate cupcakes with chocolate frosting!

Buddies

Presents

Dear Thomas Nathan,

Today you turn six years old!  I can't even believe how quickly you have grown into a lively, independant boy.  It's amazing to hear you voice your own opinions and thoughts- to watch you develop your own interests.  You have taught me far more about dinosaurs and sea creatures than I ever could have dreamed of knowing.  Your passion for God's creation is inspiring and I am constantly amazed at your knowledge.   

This past year has been a good one.  We've watched you test the waters of your independence a little more and gain confidence.  You started kindergarten and absolutely love it.  It makes it easier to drop you off each morning knowing that you are enjoying what you are doing.  We've learned more about your personality and it is interesting to see who you take after and what personality traits we passed on to you.

We are so proud of the boy you have become.  We hope that you never lose your zeal for life, your hunger for learning, your kindness, patience, and unshakable love of Jesus.  You treat your friends and your sibilings so well and it has been neat to watch you transform into a stronger (and wiser) big brother this year.  I love to watch you interact with Henry and Caroline.  The admiration in Henry's eyes is so enormous.  He would follow you anywhere!

I can't put into words how much we love you.  You are so special to us and we cannot remember or imagine our lives without you in them.  Thank you for making me a mother six years ago.  I am so blessed that God gave me such a very special job and I enjoy each minute that I spend with you sweet boy.  Happy birthday!

Love,
Mommy

Valentine's Day

We had a wonderful Valentine's Day- it's so fun with to celebrate with little kids!  Tommy and Henry were really into it this year which made it extra fun!

Both boys helped make Valentine cupcakes to give to all of our Valentines.

Tommy had a Valentine's party at school- it was so cute!  They made jello hearts, played bingo, ate snacks, decorated bags, made candy rings, and played games. 

Tommy with his candy ring

Playing a game with his friends

Working on his Valentine word search. 

For lunch we went over to Nonnie's house to celebrate with Aunt Kristina and Andrew.  Henry LOVED his new drill from Nonnie and Papa.

Celebrating their first Valentine's!

Cousins

Our sweet Valentine :)