Charlie's birthday

The joy-waking up to realize it's his birthday!

We got to work right away baking a red cake

When the cake was cooling, I discovered Stella with half of it in the bathroom. I told her she couldn't eat it and she replied, "But it's just sooooo good and I love it!"

Went to Kneaders for Charlie's favorite french toast breakfast

 This bike was long anticipated and absolutely perfect. He'd been asking for a motorcycle. I looked everywhere, but couldn't find one that wasn't a million dollars or super junky. We started planting the idea of a bike, and he was reluctant. Then he informed us that it would have to have a "vroomer." It took awhile for us to understand that it was required to make noise like a motorcycle. I was pretty nervous about letting him down on that detail. One night he went to WalMart with me and we looked at  the bikes. What would you know? There was a small selection of bikes his size and one of them just happened to be a hot wheels racer bike with a vroomer. There's a little lever by the handlebar and it sounds like the revving of an engine and lights up. He could hardly wait for the birthday to arrive. Cam took the training wheels off before he ever tried it and he was riding it like a pro after one lap around the driveway with his dad's help. Thanks to the balance bike! He has ridden that little investment like crazy-sweat dripping under that helmet. For a few days after his birthday he was complaining that his hand hurt. We eventually figured out that it was sore from all the "vrooming!"

My mom, dad, Hayley, Abby and Sam were in Europe during Charlie's birthday. Nick and Jessica were gone to Disneyland. Grammie and Pappy were in the thick of cancer treatments and a bunch of our other friends and family were gone. The Wilkeys came over and we were lucky enough that Marti, Jack, Adelaide and Baby Gray were in town, and they were so kind to come down with Janiice for our little party. Charlie thought he'd died and gone to heaven with two of his favorite people to play with. Jack gave Charlie legos, which he wasn't sure about at first (asking Jack to put it together for him while he played), but they planted seed. He fell in love with legos and has played with them everyday since. However, he is quick to clarify that while Jack likes to do things properly, he doesn't like to follow instructions and does it however he wants. Unsurprising. 

 Nana picked up this beauty for him after being informed that he was coveting the power ranger suit from Costco (which is funny because we don't even let him watch the show!) It doubled as his Halloween costume this year so killed two birds with one stone on that one. It has also been worn routinely around the house, just because.

Opened construction presents from Grammie and Pappy. Couldn't have been happier

What Stella left of the cake

The masterpiece. Charlie called the shots on the whole thing and was extremely pleased with it. He picked the strawberry ice cream and made the cake and frosting, then did the decorating.

Kids worn right out after a day of fun!