Our Winding Road: Rev Up Your Engines!

In the spirit of birthday posts, it's only fitting I also catch up on MJ's latest birthday. MJ turned 6 on March 9, 2015. We celebrated with a birthday part for him on the day before, Sunday March 8th. We gave MJ different options of whether or not to have an actual party or more of an excursion with family, but he chose a party. He even chose to have it at our home vs. the clubhouse/pool or any other venue. I let him completely choose the guest list, too, and he chose to invite boys only from his classroom. He also wanted to invite a couple friends from the neighborhood that aren't in his class. It turned out to be quite an easy, laid back event, and so much fun for him! Lucky for us the weather was absolutely beautiful. It was in the 70's and sunny, so we were able to keep the entire party outside. Yay for easy clean up! :) We cleaned out our garage and made it into a Cars themed haven. I'll let the pictures do the rest of the talking...

MJ was so excited to help me set up the decorations in the garage. One of them was this big picture backdrop. I loved that MJ chose to wear his Lightning McQueen race car driver outfit for the party. Way to get extra use out of that Halloween costume! ;)

He asked for a cookie cake for his birthday. I wish I could take credit, but Publix to the rescue. It was so cute and delish, too!

Friends had fun taking silly pics!

From L to R: Matthew, MJ, Charlotte, and Preston

MJ loves watching YouTube videos of people racing their own cars on homemade ramps, so Mat had the idea to make his own homemade ramp. He did a great job, and it was quite a hit! The kids still play with it regularly. Each of the guests was asked to bring their favorite car to race, and we gave out little tiny cheapie trophies to the winners.

More pictures! From L to R: Joseph, MJ, Charlotte, Nate, Mitchell, Matthew

After lots of car racing and scooter races in the drive way (Mat drew lanes for the kids to ride in), we had all worked up a hunger! We set up a few kid-sized table and chairs in the garage, and it was time for pizza! Mat had even brought one of the TV's out and put on the Cars movie that the kids could watch for a bit while they ate.

River, Mitchell, Gabby, and Nate

Of course, after pizza must come cake! Blowing out 6 candles this year!

After eating it was off to the bounce house in the front yard (good thing little ones can handle pizza, cake, and then bouncing), more car races, and then back to gather round and watch MJ open presents.

Needless to say, this gift was a huge hit! This boy adores his cars.

Our happy family after the party wrapped up. Thanks to Uncle Jeff for being on hand to help with the party. Between Mat, Jeff, and I, we were able to keep a good eye on the kids and avoid any kindergarten catastrophes. Poor Gabby busted it on the scooter, but otherwise all was calm and and event-free! It was definitely a memorable party for MJ, and a great family memory for Mat and I as well. Celebrating his first birthday in Florida, wish friends from school seemed like a big milestone.

Hard to believe our boy is 6! He still has his same sweet spirit. I constantly receive comments and compliments about what a sweet and gentle boy he is. From teachers at church to friend's parents, etc. A mother never gets tired of hearing those things. MJ's actual birthday was on Monday, so I was lucky enough to take him lunch to school and eat with him. I left cupcakes for his teacher to share with the class later that day at snack time.

Just yesterday, MJ had his first doctor appointment since moving back to Florida. At his 6 year well child visit he was 42.5 pounds and 45 inches tall. This puts him in the 25% for both height and weight. He appears wonderfully healthy, and what a blessing that is!