Atticus' birthday is that last birthday in the year of the family (until baby arrives, that is) which makes for tons of anticipation for him and lots of planning in advance on his part. He was masterminding his birthday meals for months ahead and eagerly trying to guess what his birthday outing was. One day he cleverly suggested that we let Milayla know what the birthday outing was because he didn't want her to feel left out. How thoughtful ;). Really, we know that those two are best buds and tell each other everything so our little surprise would be a surprise no longer.
On the day of the birthday, Atticus was most definitely excited and made sure to love every minute of the day. Pancakes with fruit salad, yogurt, maple, scrambled eggs, apple sauce and marshmallows for breakfast. Picnic for lunch (in part due to our outing) and homemade veggie pizzas with a big green salad and garlic dressing for dinner.
As for that birthday surprise; we took the kids off island to the Exporail museum. I think both kids were pretty stunned when we pulled up in front of a steam engine and announced we were heading in. Between getting to ride a minirail, riding a tram car, watching a turntable in motion (powered by an enthusiastic daddy who volunteered to help - a example I am so glad that he set), checking out old stations, watching a large model train in the works, and getting to explore what felt like hundreds of different train engines and cars the kids were over the moon. I don't think we could have picked a better outing. Our mid-day break to eat a picnic in the grass and play a game of family tag definitely sealed the deal on the day as well. It was such a great day.
When we got home there wasn't much time for a couple presents and the birthday boy pictures before putting together that pizza. Atticus had been shaking his birthday presents beforehand and had done a pretty good job at guessing what they were so some of that surprise was gone, but otherwise he was pretty excited about the gifts that he received.
After dinner and getting all cleaned up from the day we settled in for some games and to take a look at some picture of this little guy growing up - from baby to now. While he has most certainly grown in size in the last 5 years, he has also grown in personality as he explores the world around him and begins to carve and discover his many talents.
We had so much fun celebrating having Atticus in our family. We love him so much! Here are just a few of the things we love about him:
- he is thoughtful and always on the lookout for others. He often says things with a much deeper understanding than one would expect for a 5 year old.
- He is always willing to help. If there isn't any way for him to help he gets a little disheartened.
- He is a hard worker and it has really helped him in his reading, math and all the other skills that he is working on building.
- He is excited about exploring with our family and always eager for surprises - even if it's a surprise family game night.
- He is a fierce friend and always thinking of ways to serve our friends and neighbours
- He gives great hugs and kisses - though lately he has taken to giving the slobberiest kisses possible and giggling hysterically when he catches you off guard with them. It's all in good fun though.
- He has a great smile and laugh.
- He is developing his testimony of the Savior so eagerly and dynamically as his eyes light up as all the scripture stories and lesson begin coming together in his mind and life.
- He loves to sing. We sing a lot around here and he is always happy to sing along - his favorite lately is Silent Night (nothing quite like Christmas songs year round).
We sure could keep going, but really, we just really really really love and adore this kid. He provides a very unique dynamic to our family that blesses us all.
Happy birthday Atticus!! We love you!!!
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| Milayla was a little unsure about the tram |
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| The boys really were interested, they just weren't all that interested in a photo. |
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| This was on wobbly little train ride! |
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| Milayla had a good grip on my arm once we were back on the tram. |
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| A perfect smile to go along with some perfect weather! |
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| The kids couldn't believe how big the wheels were on those engines - we were in some pretty big awe as well! |
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| the boys giving me sass when I tried to take a picture during our picnic |
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| TAG! You're it! |
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| Milayla was so eager to drive the trains! |
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| In the driver seat!!! |
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| Once Atticus saw the model train it was all he was interested in until it was time to head to the turntable demonstration. |
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| Milayla explored the last of the engines and train cars with me while the boys watched the model train some more. |
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| Jason moving the turn table! |
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| look at those muscles! |
Back at home for some presents.
Atticus read all his cards himself - proud moment!
Thank you hugs - love these two!
Atticus' happy dance that he received a gift card from Great Grandma and Grandpa Hochstein
Cookie cake!
Happy 5th Birthday!!!!!!!
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| Yum! |
And our first go at the new Body Game from Grandma and Grandpa Hochstein. We sure are learning a lot about our body parts and organs!!
Again, we had plenty of fun celebrating this little Man of ours. He is one wonderful part of our family. Love you, Atticus. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!
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