Happy Birthday, Matthew!

Our little gift from God turned three on May 8th. Usually, Dan and I have a hard time remembering what life was like before Matthew, but it's also hard to believe he is three already! He is quickly transitioning from being a baby to a boy.
For instance, he finally finished his days (nights, actually) in the crib, and moved into a big boy bed on the night of his birthday. You know, he never DID figure out how to climb out of his crib?


We had two parties for Matthew. Since our extended family is growing so big, we held one party for a few of his little friends, and then had a family BBQ the next night.
This is from his friends party:




And then with our families:

Matthew and his cousin Daniel are two peas in a pod. Here they are eating dinner with Matthew's two fire fighter hats. He had just gotten one the day before from our friend who is a firefighter.

Here Aunt Linda is giving Matthew a set of plastic dinosaurs. Boy does he LOVE them!

A water activity table from Grandma and Grandpa Papworth:

Mommy and Daddy gave him a tool set and hard hat. He likes to wear his hard hat everywhere now, even the grocery store. =)

Here is Matthew opening a book from my sister's family in England:

Matthew opening a little 'My First Mp3 Player' from Aunt Carol. Now he can walk around with his tunes =)

Here Matthew is giving cousin Daniel a hug. Daniel gave him Daniel's very own Spiderman! He is such a sweet and thoughtful cousin to Matthew.

I made him a basketball cake since he loves "Hoopball" so much:


What is a birthday party without a little Pin the Tail on the Donkey?
The cousins loved it!

Even Grandpa Hickman (and later Grandma Papworth) got in on the action.


We are so thankful for the three years so far that God has given us with Matthew. He is such a happy little boy who brings us loads of joy every day. He is truly a Gift from God!