Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Four!

I'm taking a break from posting about Utah to giving you a run down of our day yesterday...



Parker turned four!


Now for a short 2 months...we seem like a normal family on the 2-year plan for having children...with a 4 year old, a two year old, and an infant. But come September, Gray turns 1 and it is once again very clear how close together our kids actual are.

We didn't tell Parker it was his birthday. He knew it was this week, but he didn't know the day. We actually planned to celebrate it on the weekend. But spur of the moment on Monday night, I decided I couldn't wait. I don't like celebrating birthdays any other day than the actual birth date. So I made a mad rush to the store for party supplies and presents. We decorated the house up that night. And Parker woke the next morning to one heck of a surprise party. It was fantastic. He can never sleep the night before a big event, so this was perfect.



We asked him what he wanted to do more than anything. I was willing to brave the heat to go to the zoo or miniature golf or whatever. He wanted to see Kung Fu Panda. He's been dying to see it. And really, we never take our kids to the movies. He's been to the zoo more times than the theatres. So I guess this really was a novelty to him. He went in with no knowledge of what Kung Fu actually was...and came out a Kung Fu fighting four year old. On the way home, he made Reid refer to him as "Master Monkey." And since Reid does everything Parker tells him, he did.

Parker is a picky eater so we made a dinner out of all of his favorite side dishes...including mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, and fruit salad (made popular years ago thanks to the Wiggles).


I walked by a Forth of July pinata on clearance and decided to bring that home, too. The boys have never done that. He was having a superhero party (like every other boy in America who has recently turned 4) and 4th of July colors work nicely with Spiderman. So I slapped a Spidey picture on it and Parker never questioned it. He thought it was a Spiderman pinata...despite the fact that it was a flag in the shape of a star.



Gray had to be strapped in so he didn't get hurt during the shenanigans.


We took a ride on his new scooter to the park to feed the ducks and turtles. It started pouring. We got drenched, but stayed out until we heard thunder. Then headed home for cake.



Somehow, Reid ended up the wettest of everybody.


Luckily, we had a blanket in the bottom of the wagon and made a little covering for Gray...who ended up pulling it off anyway.


With no time to plan, this was my lamest cake ever. I think they should get better with each birthday. Not the case this year. I planned to make the top of a building with Spiderman climbing up. It looked more like a pyramid. I tried to talk Spence into making a run to the store for Indiana Jones paraphernalia...he's a superhero, right? So instead, it looked like a "Spiderman and the Temple of Doom" cake. I made some pretty good spiderwebs on there that at least saved the cake. Sorry, no pictures.



All in all a fun day. Parker was on a roll. He said a million funny things yesterday. I wish I could have followed him around with a tape recorder. Instead I didn't write a single thing down. I love that kid. And I love that he's growing up.

16 comments:

Emilee said...

aww too cute. how long were you in utah for? Did you get home in time for parkers b-day? How fun!
Em!

Lauri said...

Boy! You guys know how to party. I'm sure Parker was thrilled...he sure sounded excited on the phone. I can't believe he's 4. Life just keeps marching on.

Kris said...

Happy Birthday to Parker! I love all of your fun ideas for the kids, and your thriftiness too! You really do remind me so much of me when I was a young Mama with kids!!! Kudos to you!
: )

Traci Elizabeth said...

I can't believe you have a four year old. More than that, I can't believe it has been 4 years since he was born! Crazy!!!! Happy Birthday Parker....by the way, can you send me your new address via email?

Jessica said...

Happy Birthday Parker. You are so cute and such a smartie pants. Sounds like you guys had a great birthday. Katie you are such a great mom.

Amanda B. said...

Happy Birthday Parker!!!! Wow! Can you believe he is FOUR???? Next year is Kindergarten! Just unreal! What an awesome spur of the moment party! And, I bet the cake was way cool- especially to a 4 year old. :)

Kelly said...

Happy Birthday, Parker!!! What a fun birthday!! I love the pinata- so cute! You sure know how to throw fun parties and do fun things for your boys- that is so great!!

Autumn said...

Oh how I've missed you. So glad you're back. I love it that you couldn't wait for the birthday. I love it even more that you were willing to do it even though it was a fly by the seat deal (for-going?? sp?!) details that may have otherwise been important like the mention of the cake. I love it when people do that. I think that's more important. Plenty of other ops for perfect cakes. I LOVE the master monkey name demand!! HA. I know nothing of the movie but I'd SO love to hear Reid call him that. What a blast of a day.

Autumn said...

Oh-and I think its so funny that Parker being picky means eating healthy food! When I read that I remembered the pic of him eating corn on the cob and wondered what you were talking about? Awesome-prefers f&vs?!

Eric said...

So fun! Kids love anything and all those details that we worry about they could care less about. Sounds like you all had a fantastic day.

Genn said...

Happy 4th to Parker! Wow! Almost ready for school! You are so creative with your kids Katie. I have gotten some great ideas from you. Sounds like he had a great birthday. Way to go.

And yes, in response to your comment, I believe Hannah has already entered the terrible two's! I guess I was a pretty terrible two myself, so what goes around comes around.

Crystal said...

Yeah for Parker! Can you believe you have 4 yr old? The pictures are adorable.

jeanine said...

Happy Birthday Parker! Sounds like you guys had a fantastic day! I love that you put a spiderman on the star pinata... perfect!

Erin said...

Gotta love that you actually surprised him. Hey you pulled it off considering you did it so quickly!

Do You Think I Am An Automaton said...

I love the "Master Monkey" title. Your kids are so cute and I like the way you write! Sounds like a great surprise party!

Jenn said...

Your an AWESOME MOM! What a FUN birthday for Parker! Happy Belated Birthday Parker!