You are getting so big, very independent, too smart, and extremely handsome. I am so proud of you. While you make mistakes, as I do too, your kind spirit and want to please shine through every day. I love watching you play, especially outside, and learn and experience life. Just today, we pretended we were on a pirate ship, using the basketball goal as our boat, trying to get away from tic toc croc. You captured him with your wheelbarrow and threw him in the prison that was your slide. My heart was filled with pure joy watching your imagination run wild!! I also love to see you sit down with a book and read. You have a couple favorites- Cooper's Rainy Day, Cuddle, and a Dr. Suess book that has several stories in it, your favorite being I Wish That I Had Duck Feet. We've read these books enough that you know them by heart and can sit and read it back to me. I love seeing your creativity at work. You make me laugh every day and I couldn't love you more.
If there's nothing else you remember, please remember that Mommy loves you more than you will ever know. I am convinced that the hardest things in life bring you the best rewards. You are my reward and you are a beautiful little boy that is growing up way too fast right before my eyes. Most days I have to work hard for my kisses, but I'll keep working hard if it means getting your love! I wouldn't trade you for anything Bennett, and Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you!!
This past Saturday we celebrated your 4th birthday at Saluda Shoals (the same place where your 2nd birthday party was). It was such a hit then, that I thought having it there a second time was a great idea. The theme this year was trains. You are all about trains and love building tracks upstairs. So we ordered a train cake (from Publix and they did a fantastic job by the way) and made a few decorations and waited with anticipation for the day to arrive. You helped mommy this year get some things ready for your party and it was so fun!! We collected rocks outside for the centerpieces and then you helped me wash them and rinse them off to dry. You also helped me fill the mason jars up with sand! I loved having you as my little helper and I think you enjoyed it too! Here's a pic of the centerpieces for the picnic tables.
The tablecloths were decorated with train tracks made out of tape and that was all the decorations this year (I decided to keep it real simple). I also rented the train at Saluda Shoals as a little surprise. And the shelter was right next to the splash pad and playground so there was plenty of things for you and your buddies to do!! It was non stop from the time the party started til we got into our cars to go home. But nothing filled my heart more than watching all the children have a blast and get outside and play!! The weather was absolutely gorgeous and the kids did fantastic!!! Mommy did forget one thing- matches, for the candles, so you could blow them out after the singing. I felt so bad, but bless your little heart, after everyone sang to you, you pretended to blow out the imaginary candles on your cake.
We served food since the only time I could get the shelter was at 4:30. We had chicken salad, ham, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, fruit, chips, cashews, m&ms, and of course cake and ice-cream. The train on the cake was free handed by the bakers. It was the cake on the invitation and I was pretty impressed!! I couldn't have done it without the huge help from my mother, she made all the chicken salad sandwiches and ham rolls, plus made 2 gallons of sweet tea!! What a life saver!
All in all, the party was a success and Mommy and Daddy had just as much fun as you did!! Here are some photos for you to enjoy!!
Bennett I had so much fun celebrating you on your 4th birthday! We are truly blessed to have you as our son! We love you so so much and can't wait to see you continue to grow!!! Now it's off to start planning your sister's 1st birthday!!!!!
