Matteo is 8.

Yep, it's true, Matteo is officially 8 years old. His birthday was last Monday. We celebrated with tons-of-fun on his actual birthday. We had birthday muffins, opened presents, went out to dinner to a restaurant of Matteo's choosing - Red Robin, and just celebrated our kiddo.


It's amazing, to see who he has become in his 8 years. He loves laughing, legos, puzzles, making paper airplanes, baseball, football, the sports page (reads it daily), telling jokes, giving hugs, sleeping with Cuddly (his favorite teddy bear), snuggling, pj day around the house, and just being around our family. In many ways, I see both of us in his behavior and personality. He's a home body, he's interested in anything with math, loves science, he likes doing arts and craft stuff, he loves his family, is always willing to help out, and yet some how remains 'little' in his 8 year old self. He will come up and hug me for no reason, he will help out Anna while she is scooting around on her skates, he will wonder what is happening today, tomorrow, the next, angling for a pajama day and no routine. We love him, he's amazing, he's a gift in our life and it felt good to celebrate Matteo.


Of course, the 8 year old boy wanted a birthday party. He chose to invite 8 friends (6 were able to come) over to do things he loves - build legos and make paper airplanes. He chose all boys, which was new this year. We learned a few years ago to keep our social interests in entertaining/seeing people away from their parties. So, the guests were Matteo's to choose, after thinking about it for a few days.


Don & the boys built/painted a couple of ramps for the boys to race the lego cars they would build while they were here. It was then onto pizza, cake, presents and the beloved paper airplane creations. Matteo had chosen two designs to make with his buddies and the paper was a-flying around the house.


The Lego racers in action - what fun!

It was a happy day for the birthday boy, fun times for us as family. It was entertaining to see a gaggle of boys so excited about legos and paper airplanes. And, notable to mention that Matteo selection of kids for the party are very silly. I'm noticing a pattern....the boy likes to be around other kids that crack him up! It was entertaining for all of us.