Thatcher's birthday

Thatcher's birthday was a lot of fun this year. He is so easy to please that anything I do for him, he absolutely loves. I didn't have the energy to plan a real party this year so I turned our park playdate into a party with cupcakes, hats, and bubbles. My friend Amy came and painted faces on all the kids, and a few people brought presents (much to my embarrassment). Everything together made for a really nice party and a memorable day for Thatcher.

James spent a lot of his time at the cupcake table. The cupcakes were red velvet so he looks like he is bleeding in some of the pictures.

 Some of the boys playing with bubbles. Thatcher carried his presents around with him until he opened them. He would not let the bags out of his sight.

 Thatcher and his batman symbol...pretty cool.

 My sweet friend Kim held Hadley almost the entire time. It was a huge help.

 More cupcakes.

 Eli with a puppy dog face.

 Opening presents...this boy could not have been more excited about everything he got.

 Lucy and Claire, the only girls stuck together.

 Caynan and Thatcher kept taking turns wheeling the other boys around in the wagon. It was a pretty funny sight.

 Thatcher's turn. Notice the bag in Thatcher's hand. He consolidated one the presents were open, but still wouldn't let them out of his sight.

 Beautiful Hadley wore this jumper for the first time and looked like such a princess.

 Thatcher insisted on making sure we got some good pictures of his awesome face.

 

On the morning of Thatcher's birthday he woke up to streamers and balloons everywhere. He had German pancakes for breakfast complete with candles and a song. We then opened presents and Thatcher's favorite was the one he has been talking about for weeks...a rocket pack. Since I don't know where to find one, I found an idea on pinterest and made it for him. He couldn't have been more pleased. If only he could stay this way forever.

It's a good thing I took a picture of him blowing out his candles at breakfast because I didn't get any pictures of him blowing out the candles on his rocket cake. It was a disaster from the beginning, then it had a moment of mediocrity before James got to it and demolished it. Thatcher had a good attitude about it, but still no pictures were taken.

 

Showing off his favorite present.

 Thatcher and Hadley and I spent the afternoon getting books at Bookmans with his birthday coupon, signing up for the summer reading program and playing on the computers at the library, and eating frozen yogurt. Then we picked up Ty and James and headed down to the cabin where (in true James fashion) James ran around naked and somehow got a hold of three tootsie pops that he would not eat, but would also not let go of all evening.

 Hadley's new carseat cover. It's not big enough and doesn't do much good in the wind, but I love the fabric and it makes me happy every time I see it knowing my beautiful little girl is inside.

 Hadley's bow looks so silly right on top of her head, but I love her pursed lips in this picture. She loved being outside and was so happy the whole time we were there.

Showing off his awesome muscles.

 

Taking turns with the rocket pack. Thatcher was so good at letting James help open and play with all his presents.

 Look at this face. He is the happiest kid.

It's great to be four. Thatcher is already talking about the things he will be able to do once he is five. He already seems so old to me. Ty and I have both noticed a big change in him the last month. I don't know what has brought it on, but his maturity, level of responsibility, and the way he responds and talks to us just seems so old. He is such a good kid. He is obedient, kind-hearted, social, funny, creative, smart, and turning into a very nice boy.