hard core at FOUR

To my adorable four year old,

You started talking about your 4th birthday the day after your 3rd.  We've waited for this day for so long!  On a weekly basis, you would ask a question like this.. "Mom, maybe on my birthday can we go to Florida?" and I would respond... "maybe." and the list of things you wanted to do on your birthday got a mile long!  If you really wanted to buy something or play with a friend, everyone in the family would tell you, "Hey!  Maybe we could do that on your birthday..."  and so this week had to be something special!

It's been a busy month for our family so we've tried to squish in activities wherever we can.  On Tuesday we were able to sneak away to Pump It Up for a few hours and you ran yourself ragged. You and your siblings played with the new foam blocks almost the entire time... I love watching you laugh and run around together. You are the best of friends.  

Wednesday was Let's Play Music at Jane's house (your favorite) but it was mom's day (not your favorite.)  You told me I could come as long as I sat on the couch.  I needed to help you with the bells for a minute, so I sat by you.  As soon as the exercise was over, you softly touched me on my knee and said, "Okay, go back to the couch now please."  I totally get your need to be independent and I love you for it!  I quickly obeyed.

Wednesday night Dad had to work late and Dewey couldn't come for piano or drum practice so we hopped in the car and hit Chuck E Cheese (definitely on your list of things to do on your birthday.)  We invited Vaughn and Mason and spent a couple of hours running wild and collecting tickets!  You danced with Chuck E Cheese and bought several little crap toys with your earnings.  I am pretty sure they were all broken or lost by the time we arrived home!

Thursday (today) was the big day!  We let you sleep in while we quietly prepared for your (SURPRISE!) birthday party.  We never intended on having a surprise party, but because we couldn't fit it in last week, there was really no other option but to throw it together quickly.  I texted a few of your favorite friends and Ben, Luke and Zack took care of the rest!  When you woke up around 9:00am, I told you to quickly eat breakfast so we could go pick out some cupcakes.  You were so excited.  You wanted to wear your pajama shirt to the store (a gift from Ben this year) and Zack's red shorts that kept falling down.  I asked you to put on some better pants, but you didn't think it was necessary, and hey-- it's your birthday afterall!  You threw on an upside-down Star Wars jacket and some summer flip-flops in the garage, and boy, you were styling!

Roma came with us to the store because she's special too... and because the big boys couldn't watch her AND throw your party together.  We went to Sam's Club only to pick up cupcakes, ice cream bars and strawberries.  You also wanted a hot dog at the deli (9:30am) and because we were killing time, I said yes.  You downed the entire thing in 2 minutes flat.  Roma was begging for a bite, so you reluctantly gave her a piece.  After the store, we hit the carwash (also on your list of things to do on your birthday :)  Ro gets kinda scared in carwashes, so you moved up to sit by her.  She covered her eyes with one hand before the carwash even started... and she peeked through her fingers just a little as the spinners came around.  

Jane, Mason, Hannah, Lincoln and Jefferson showed up at our house while we were away.  Ben, Luke and Zack were busy putting up decorations and getting ready for the games we would play at your party.  When we opened the front door, everyone yelled "SURPRISE!" and you just stood there, not knowing what to say.  Then you got excited, ran to your friends, and then sat on the couch and said, "I knew you guys were going to do that."  Of course you did... Mr. Know It All.  Whether you knew or not, you were SO happy to have everyone center their attention on you!!

We played Pin the Star on the Captain America sheild (game created by Ben!) he couldn't find scissors and they cut the stars out with a knife...!  

We also played your favorite game, Four Corners, with pictures that were drawn freehand by your brothers.  How cute are these superheroes?  

You opened presents, had cupcakes and ice cream, jumped on the trampoline and gave away a few party favors.  What a fun party it was!!  (it was the easiest for me to date... I love your helpful, cute brothers!)

We had a lunch date planned with Daddy, but he couldn't make it because he has a project at work and you didn't want to go without him, so we'll plan it for another time.  You've requested lunch or dinner at Jason's Deli so I am sure we can squeeze it in soon!  You've been playing with your new toys all afternoon and you keep telling me this is your best birthday you've ever had when you were four. Well, I would hope so!

Tonight we are going as a family to a special fireside where we all get to act in a play and dress in white.  You don't really want to go, but sometimes you're not really in charge. :)  They announced it was your birthday during the fireside and you got to stand up!  AND you got your own very package of skittles so it turned out to be a great night for you..

We'll make sure to have cake and ice cream (again) when we get home.

And maybe, just maybe, we might find the time to head to the Children's museum tomorrow... just because you are THAT special.  

Simon, I want you to know that is such a privilege to be your mom and have you in our home.  You are an amazing little (big) boy with so many gifts and talents.  Your spicy spirit brightens our lives every.single.day.  You are feisty and bossy and confident... and we love that about you!  I am so looking forward to watching you grow into your HUGE personality.  Always know that we love you and want what's best for you.  Thanks for keeping us on our toes!  Happy 4th, SyGuy!

Love,

Mom