"I can do it, because I'm four!"

Yesterday was Marc's birthday!  He is very proud to have turned four years old!  He woke up and immediately confirmed -several times- that he was four years old now.  Then all day.. he proceeded to tell me all the things he could do because he is four now... for example, I heard, "I can walk up and down the slide because I'm four!"  Or "I don't have to use a booster seat because I'm four!"  Yes, Son, I am just as excited to see all the new things you can do in this new year. :)

Here is a quick recap of Marc's birthday:
He enjoyed finding his requested smiley face themed decorations up around our house.

Good-morning, four year old!

Because Marc's birthday party is on Saturday, I didn't want to make two cakes.. so instead Marc and Emmalyn helped me make a "cookie cake".  Marc wanted to make sure there were sprinkles. :)

We wanted to share the cookie cake with some friends so we called our most-often played with neighbors (the Burchells) to make sure they would be outside on the playground after school and we out to meet up and sing happy birthday to Marc.   There ended up being a bunch of kids on the playground (sometimes it is just us and the Burchells), and they all got in on the celebration!  

 The cookie cake ended up being a big hit and a great choice for an inclusive, impromptu party - since it didn't make a big mess and was easily shared with many friends.

(Marc's Mom and Alaina were in attendance of this party, just behind the camera!)

After a fun party and play time outdoors, we went inside to warm up, eat dinner and finally open the pile of presents Marc had been patiently eyeing since he woke up.  We let him stay up a little later than normal so he could enjoy some of his presents before bed. :)  Emmalyn had a hard time realizing that all the presents were for Marc and none were for her.  She partially opened a few of the presents before we caught her!  By the end of the day, though, she was on board with Marc's birthday and stopped insisting it was her birthday, too. :)  I understand, I mean.. birthdays are so fun! 

Happy Birthday, Marc! So glad you are four!

More to come on his Smiley Face Birthday Party tomorrow!

All dressed up!

Photos by Marc, take 2

Last Fall, Marc discovered how fun it was to take photos..  here is a second round of photos he has taken recently:

(yes, that is the inside of his mouth)

I really enjoy that he likes to take pictures! 

Super Heroes

Marc (and by default our whole family) was invited to his friend Liam's  super hero birthday party last weekend.  We all pulled out our Superman/SuperShaun shirts.. with some accessories.. and had a great afternoon together! I will admit that I wasn't planning to wear matching shirts (Jarrod, Marc and Emmalyn TRY to match, often!)... but since every one (even Alaina!) in my family had on their super shirt, I pulled mine out of storage.  And since I was going to do it.. I figured I should get a mask to match.

 ...I guess dressing alike isn't so bad... 

The lean-roll

We are enjoying each stage that Alaina is in, not trying to hurry her - too quickly - to the next one, because we know how fast they all go by!  I am especially enjoying the stationary stage.. I can leave her in one place and come back to find her in the same place.. (though it is the big kids I have to watch out for!)

That stage seems to be coming to an end soon though, as Alaina discovered the "lean roll"... when she is propped up on her arms, she can lean her head to the side, and her body follows!

She is quite pleased with herself!

AND Marc is pleased to recover his "guys" from Alaina! ;)