Thursday, June 5, 2014

The Birthday Celebration: Carter Turns 4 (almost)

Carter's birthday isn't actually until next week, but if all goes as planned, that's the day we will be bringing Sophie home from the hospital.  So, I really needed to do something beforehand (mom guilt) because I didn't want his birthday to be overshadowed by her.  

So, we went to Amarillo.  With that came the park, Discovery Center and an early evening of swimming.  He got to hang out with both sets of grandparents and a few cousins, too!  Life was good, and he loved every single minute.  

We brought some bread for the ducks and geese.




He opened some presents.



And, everyone played while we tried to keep the food from blowing away for an hour or so.






Water guns were there for all, and John Paul got the biggest kick out of spraying himself in the face.
The Discovery Center was a ton of fun, as long as random children weren't running up to my kids taking away what they were holding and screaming, "Mine!" It wasn't terrible, but there were some very possessive little ones there and it was all I could do not to jerk it back out of their hands and give it back to the boys. Calm down and walk away, Britt.  I did.



All Carter had wanted for weeks was a "stwaberry cake."  Then the little toot was too excited to eat it.




We made it back home and Carter's present from us was waiting.  He's basically spent the last four days on it.  

This little guy lights up our lives.  He's very "spirited" yet so kind.  A people lover but an anxious one.  Full of energy and remembers everything he hears.  He loves tractors and construction vehicles, could watch cartoons all day, prefers the outdoors, and adores his grandparents.  He has to have his routine (often saying the exact same thing at the same point in each cartoon watched or following a very specific order in his night time rituals).  He loves candy, specifically gummies ("Everything is better with gummies."), and enjoys a slim jim as a snack.  Carter loves to learn but wants to do it his own way (don't try to tell him how to hold his crayon)!  He's stubborn but doesn't want to hurt feelings.  He loves life.  And, he loves Jesus.  He's quite the ray of sunshine in our lives, and the past four years have been nothing but a blessing.

Happy Birthday, baby boy.

11 comments :

  1. Aww, Happy Birthday to Carter! I'm sure that he is super excited about his new ride! Love it!

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  2. I always get such a kick out of your growing brood of kids when they come into the restaurant. And your firstborn seems like a classic first-the worrier of the bunch-but he's the big brother and with that comes a lot of responsibility. I'm sure he's up to the task! Happy 4th, Carter!

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    1. Hahaha, probably because you can always count on some crazy question or behavior. But, thanks for being so sweet to the boys! He really is the worrier of the bunch! But, he's a great big brother, that's for sure :)

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  3. I love that little guy sooooo much!! Please give him all my love and so many extra gummies! I have a gift on the way from Sean and I, but it is the weirdest present ever.

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  4. Oops. That was from me!

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  5. I love the picture where he is staring down that candle. So cute!! Happy (early) Birthday, Carter! I know that racer is cool, but I bet a little sister is going to be even cooler!

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    1. Haha, I know - he's one intense little boy! I think he'll love her just a much ;)

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  6. He sounds exactly like Ace! Must be a first born thing? But what a great birthday, and that little dune buggy is amazing. So much fun!

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  7. I found your blog through your post at A Knotted Life. You have a beautiful family. And I love your hair! :-)

    Happy (early) birthday to your little boy and good luck to you too!

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    1. Thanks so much for visiting! I love new readers. Oh, and thanks for the hair compliment - it's basically the easiest thing in the world :)

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  8. What a great celebration! My three year old is a major fan of gummies and sounds a lot like your guy here! He too is spirited and kind, as well as a stubborn boy who loves learning! Love it!

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