Tater Tot is 6...really?!?!? SIX

It's been a few days now, and I am still trying to digest the fact that Tate Jackson Mattila brightened my life over 6 years ago. Harder to believe is the fact that on March 30, 2004 he was still in the NICU. I look at this little guy everyday and am so thankful that, as my mom and dad used to say to me, "he came to live at my house." He has grown up so much this year - I don't know if it's kindergarten and being in school away from me all day, getting through the changes in our family or just part of growing up, but he makes me smile everyday and makes me so proud to be a mom.

Enough of the sappy mommy memories...

He decided that he would like to see a movie for his birthday so Todd and I took Tate and the other 4 big kids to see "How to Train Your Dragon" in 3D. It was fantastic and we all stuffed ourselves on popcorn and candy then raced home to enjoy some yummy cake too. Tate had chosen a Super Mario Brothers cake and so I had to deliver. It came out perfect, with a little help from some little figures I picked up and Toys r Us. We enjoyed the nice weather and the kids played outside all afternoon. Tate got a new scooter from my dad and Kay so that was a hit. Of course, there were Legos and video games too, but that day was for outside play.

We are getting ready for Easter and Spring Break here, although spring has certainly arrived in Virginia. The trees are flowering and the grass is green and I love it!!!

Avarie turns 3!

Avarie Sue celebrated her 3rd birthday on February 18 (yes, I'm a little behind). Her dad came to visit the weekend before and they celebrated with cake and a few presents. We celebrated the next Sunday when we could celebrate with the 8 kids Avarie spends most of her time with - Todd's 3 kids and Bridgette and Gavin's 3 kids and Avarie's beloved Tater Tot of course. We kept the celebration simple, which was probably a good thing since I picked out an awesome "Wonder Pets" cake that took Todd all day to make. It looked simple enough and he had already started it so I figured I would just let him make the masterpiece, and it turned out amazing!!! (He says I'm on my own for Tate's Super Mario Brothers cake.) Avarie LOVED it and we all ooohed and aaaahed at how great it tasted. The kids enjoyed their cake and helped Avarie open presents, including a new pink scooter, a SuperWhy computer, a princess puppet and more pieces to her Swan Palace. It's amazing that my baby is already 3, yet I still remember being pregnant with her and the anticipation of her arrival like it was yesterday. She is happy, healthy, and growing like crazy. At her 3 year check up, she was 36 pounds and 37 inches tall, and doing all the things a 3 year old should do. She loves school, loves her teachers and loves playing outside. She loves playing pretend, and she and Ava have a funny pet/vet/go to the beach game that is hilarious. Unfortunately, she has been battling ear infections again and the doctor and I decided that she should see the ENT again about tubes. In the big scheme, it's no big deal, just another part of being a kid. I love her to pieces and am loving the little girl she's become.
Happy Birthday, Avarie Sue!