All About the Big Guy

Our big guy turned 4 this past Sunday. We started the celebration on Friday morning with a short party at his preschool, at which he wore a birthday crown, picked out Oreos as his snack of choice and got to bring home "Ducky" the bear (the classroom mascot). Grandma & Papa Marlow came that night, and the next day we celebrated his birthday at Rising Stars gym with his non-preschool friends (weird way to put it). The kids (and adults) played for an hour followed by cupcakes, presents and pirate paraphernalia. After the party, we were joined at our home by Grandma & Grandpa Frerichs, Grandma & Grandpa Marlow, Aunt Kari, Shannon, Brennan and Oma & Opa Frerichs. Hayden opened some presents in front of the tree, but we made him wear his pirate hat so that it didn't seem too much like Christmas. On Sunday, his actual birthday, Troy and I snuck away to church while my parents watched the boys...only to realize once we got there that we didn't say "happy birthday" to him on his actual birthday! We had both forgotten.

All of that being said, we had a great time...and I'm pretty sure Hayden did, too. It was great seeing family & friends and realizing how blessed we truly are. Happy (late) birthday, big guy! We love you more than you'll ever know and are so unbelievably proud of the little guy you've already become.

I'm going to post pics from the festivities sometime this week. I haven't had a chance to sit down at the computer long enough to post them. Pals who took photos - I'd love to get copies. My camera is officially a piece of poop! For now, here is a group pic from the party. We didn't get all the kids in the shot, and definitely didn't get them all smiling at the camera at the same time, but at least the birthday boy is looking at me in this shot!