Sunday, April 18, 2010

Jack's 4th Birthday

We had a busy, but fun day celebrating Jack's 4th birthday today. First, we started out having some snuggle time with the birthday boy this morning since he was the first one up. Eventually the rest of the crew woke up and Jack received his first ever phone call from a friend. When I answered my cell phone, Jonas was on the other end asking to speak to Jack to wish him a happy birthday. It was so sweet! After that, we headed to Waffle House for Jack's birthday waffle.

The sun was a little bright for the boys, though.

Jack wanted to take "just one picture," and since he hadn't touched the syrup yet, we let him.

Anna was "freezing" because the air was blowing on her, so we warmed her arms with napkins.

We came home and got a pic of the birthday boy . . .

and his siblings.

He opened a present from us . . .

and was pretty thrilled about the Lightening McQueen bike helmet and knee pads despite his sour expression.

Then he went outside to see the rest of his gift.




We played for a while in the backyard before loading up the car and driving to Columbia.




We had lunch at Groucho's, sang happy birthday, and let him blow out the candle on his cupcake.

I packed candles to put on his cupcake but once we got there I realized I had only packed 3 candles. Guess I'm in denial that my boy is turning four! We opted for just one, and he didn't know the difference.





Next, we went to see Disney on Ice. Although some parts were a bit over their heads, it was a good show and they enjoyed seeing it.
Yes, this is the best shot of my family!

After the show, we headed to Krispy Kreme for a special birthday snack. They gave the kids free ice cream samples in tiny cones and they were thrilled to get both ice cream and doughnuts!









We even had the special treat of seeing the freshly glazed doughnuts roll by.

After our snack, we loaded up and headed back home to enjoy the afternoon playing outside in our backyard. We had a great time as a family and our brand new four year old had a wonderful birthday!

Happy 4th Birthday, Jack!


My firstborn, my baby, is four years old today.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

New Playset

Jack's 4th (!!) birthday is just around the corner and his grandparents had his gift delivered a little early. They made the trip down to Aiken to give him (and Anna & Sam) an awesome new playset for the backyard.


Jack was so into watching the guys put it together. It took them about 3 1/2 hours and he sat with Grandy "overseeing" the whole project for most of that time!

The whole thing was delivered in 4 boxes - crazy!


Everyone sat on the swing watching the action at one point.


Eventually they migrated to the porch to watch.
(I think a snack enticed them off the swing!)


Back to the swing watching . . .

It's finished!!! Jack was too excited to eat lunch and wanted to go right outside and start playing as soon as the guys pulled away.




Anna is having a hard time giving up the "baby" swing to Sam.




Even Grandy got in on the action and "played" in the tree house.


Eventually we coaxed the kids inside with cake and celebrated Grandy's birthday a little late.

That lasted just long enough to inhale some icing and then it was back outside. Granny can't stand just sitting and watching, so she pulled Sam in the wagon - with her cane! We decided this was her physical therapy for the day.


It was a fun day and the first thing I heard this morning was Jack asking if he could go outside and play (at 7:15)! He's also mentioned his new gift while saying bedtime prayers and a couple of blessings at the table. I would say he's pretty excited!

I forgot to take "after" pictures, so I snapped a couple this afternoon.


Thank you, Grandy and Granny - we all love it!