Mikey turned 6!

So kid number 3 turned 6 last week.  How is that possible?  Man I can (too) clearly remember the panicked drive to the hospital that cold February morning.  And then Michael Johnnie was here, just like that!  And now he is Mikey in the middle, what a perfect place for this blond-haired spunky boy.  

For his birthday we had Trix and a few presents at breakfast.  He got a police parachute Lego, a sea turtle stuffed animal, and a puzzle he can draw his own picture on.  That afternoon I worked hard on the Mario Kart cake!  For supper we had pancakes and strawberries and bacon (his choice) and some birthday cake and ice cream.  We also had our septic tank pumped during supper which made it a little less appetizing...but that is another story...stupid septic issues!  After supper Mikey got to open his last gift from us, a new 20" wheeled bike!!!  It has been too cold to ride it, but I know it will be getting many miles put on it this summer!  Mikey also got $20 in a card from Grandma and Grandpa Ridenour, a pull-ball Lego racer from the Herricks, and a toy chainsaw and a t-shirt from Grandma and Grandpa Koester who came over the next night for a visit.  

Mikey has really changed over the past year I think.  He is becoming such a sweet, caring boy.  Some of his "difficult-ness" of his younger days is waning (thank goodness?!?!).  He loves school and telling tales of his day with great earnest.  He gets along well with his friends and is very good with his baby brother, Thomas.  He plays great with Luke and/or Cora and sometimes even Jude...sometimes not...but when all goes well it is wonderful!  Mikey is hesitant to try new things and craves regularity and routine.  New situations still throw him for a loop sometimes, but we are learning that about him which helps everyone (I think he gets this from his mama:)!  He is learning to read and do simple math problems.  He loves listening to books, building and playing with Legos, riding his bike (Cora taught him at the end of the summer!), helping dad with anything outside or farm/animal-related (wearing his new belt and pliers holder!), he is a GREAT eater even though it doesn't show at all on his tall skinny frame, and he of course loves playing iPad and Nintendo, especially Mario Kart!

We love you Mikey in the middle!