Ahoy, Mateys--Jackson is 4!

Jackson and 24 of his closest friends jumped their hearts out on his "actual birthday,"  as February 2nd landed on a Saturday this year. Jackson has been talking about this party for MONTHS and the day finally arrived! 

We started the morning with streamers coming from his doorway welcoming him to four! 

Then it was the tradition of the Birthday Number Pancake followed by an Insanity workout with Daddy (they want to look good on our family vacation to Kauai in a couple months). 

Finally, finally, finally it was time to head down the hill to Pump It Up. The staff there was really on top of things and set up everything for us. We were able to enjoy the guests and the special Birthday Boy as they jumped from bounce house to bounce maze to bouncy baseball to bounce house...you get the picture. 

Grandpa Terry & Gram celebrated the weekend with us!

After 90 minutes of jumping, the kids were TIRED and HUNGRY! Pizza, cupcakes, and Pirate Booty Bags for all! Jackson is still talking about his fun birthday and how much fun he had jumping. We really thought he would crash after all that fun...no such luck. 

I made Jake inspired red headbands and Izzy's fairy dust pouches . 

Our big boy actually stayed up past his bedtime and finally was snoozing by 8:30 p.m. -- meanwhile we were exhausted and ready for bed a lot earlier. =)

P.S. I just realized last year's birthday theme of Toy Story was also his Halloween costume...same as this year...Jake and the Neverland Pirates at Halloween and birthday. 


Jackson and Riley's shared birthday gift--the gift that keeps on giving!

Babydoll is FOUR

Jackson,

You amazed your dad and me from the moment you were born--seven pounds and 13 ounces...you smiled at me as you looked up to see me for the first time because you knew my voice. The last four years have gone by way too fast and you have grown so much.

At four you are becoming more responsible, compassionate, and inquisitive -- if that is even possible. You love learning and books. You have mastered your phonics and your teacher said you will be reading actual books in the next couple of months because of your fast progression! Your favorite books right now are Superheroes, Legos, Dinos, Star Wars...you love even Riley's "girl" books secretly.

You are 37" and 37 lbs. the last time I checked. You have been eating a lot of bagel, cream cheese, and turkey sandwiches for breakfast and lunch lately so maybe that has changed. Your 3T shirts won't fit over your head so we chant "Big head! Big head" as we tug and finally decide to donate. :) You are really healthy and thankfully only were sick one day this year--just after Sister was born.

You have so much energy and gave up naps when Riley was four months old. Sometimes I try to trick you into an errand around 2pm so you will at least nap in the car. It helps us all when we get a little break. Daddy and I each spend at least 20 minutes with just you daily and this has helped a lot with your behavior.

Three has been challenging for us as parents but we got through it and everyday I remind myself that tomorrow is a new day! I have seen tons of growth from all of us as we learned to be a family of four during your third year. Thank you for having patience and flexibility at three.

We celebrated your birthday at school yesterday and you were asked to call your friends up to take a picture with you. Your teacher asked which friend you wanted to join you first and you chose your best friend -- Riley Grace. It is moments like this that make me so proud to be your mommy and who cares if you "accidentally" pushed Sissy the other night...you love her the most and I am pretty sure that feeling is mutual.

I love you babydoll--to infinity and beyond!

Love,
Mama

Ps more party pix to come, mateys!