five. cinco. TATE.

Tate turned 5 last week.

FIVE.

{5}

Holy guacamole.

The night before his birthday-eve, Tate said to me,

"What kind of birthday party am I having tomorrow with my friends?"

Me: {blank stare} then a perky, "we will see!"

Whoops. 

I guess I should have asked him if he wanted a party.

{since he has never had one before}

So I got on my phone, text 2 of his besties moms, and arranged a "birthday play date".

{at mcdonalds play place}

{i know, mom of the year}

Tater was SO surprised in the morning when I told him about our lunch plans.

These 3 boys were sweaty and loving every second!

Tate chose to decorate his own cake.

{he had picked out candy eyeballs and licorice hair earlier}

One for the cake, one for me.

The finished product.

Never was any child so proud of their birthday cake.

Birthday morning.

{new clothes}

{apparently a belt should have been included too.}

{i spy lightning mcqueen}

{and a new bike!}

{with pegs}

{thanks dad?}

LOVE THIS BOY!

Tate is truly a joy.

An amazing kid.

A few years ago, I never thought I would actually think that, but I do now.

{shocker}

He is quick to love and forgive.

He has a quick witty humor.

He knows what is right and usually does it.

He can be tough. but is sensitive too.

I have felt many times that his exact personality was a gift.

Exactly what our family needed.

I am the luckiest mom in the world.

Here's to many more...