Go Four!

Little Luke just turned four. We had a small family party in the backyard. It was a football/team sports theme, not because Luke is totally into football, but because his mother had a bunch of leftover decorations and goodies from the YW retreat the weekend before, and that was the theme. Luckily, it was stuff I could re-use for a boy birthday party. I could have planned something like a princess theme for the YW activity, then poor Luke would have be stuck with that.

He was happy with the chosen theme, because it meant festivity - and because there were balloons. That was good enough for him. I took advantage of the fact that Luke is only four and still easy to please.

In fact, he was SUPER EXCITED! He spent all day telling the grocery store clerks, passers-by, and anyone else who would listen that it was his birthday and he was having a football party.

The entire "party" consisted of our family, a few cousins, and aunt, a grandma, and the activity was simple - playing in the spa (I can't tell you what that has to do with football. Its just that we have a spa and not a football field in our yard - so we went with that. The kids didn't seem to mind.)

Besides, that's really all it takes for a good time...
..that and pizza and football shaped Cocoa Crispy treats (melt a bag of marshmallows, a stick of butter and 1/2 cup peanut butter - add a box of Cocoa Crispies and shape into footballs with your palms. make the ties with a tube of white gel frosting. The PB makes them extra yummy!)

Remember how last year when Luke was turning 3 he was a big grump and refused to blow out his candles or even smile? It was hilarious - in a pathetic and sad sort of way. Click here for a quick refresher of "It's My Party and I'll Cry if I Want To!" It was a good indicator of what 3 would be like for Luke.

Well, this year he was ALL smiles! There has never been a happier kid blowing out his candles. I'll take that as a very good sign. 4 will be fabulous, no doubt! (4 is one of my favorite ages!)

The excitement continued as he opened his presents, and he is at the age where good old cash actually means something to him! Every single present made him giddy! It is so fun to watch someone that excited to open presents!
He even enjoyed reading the cute card Caleb made him, even if he was reading it upside down. Caleb also gave him a gift that he is holding above. Any guesses? It is a yoyo made out of a rope and spool. Very creative. Luke was thrilled!

To tell you the truth, I was less than thrilled, actually. I had a really hard time with this party - partly because I was really having a hard time swallowing the idea that my baby will never be a baby again. I have had a baby (or two... or four) for the past 15 years (even though it all seems like I just started with this parent thing) and now to suddenly not have one is tough for me.

And I was also upset that I couldn't get a decent picture of the party because it was dark. I can't get my flash right and it is very maddening. I wanted so bad to have some cute pictures of Luke's big day. Oh well.

I am making a new rule right here and now: Henceforth, all birthday parties must take place during daylight hours! (that seems a lot easier than learning how to take a good picture in low light.)

Happy Birthday Lukie-Lu! I'm so glad you are on my team!