Birthday Celebrations

Last year we had 3 birthday celebrations when Ford and Jake turned 3, well turning 4 years old must mean 4 birthday celebrations!  Grandma was going to be out of town on their actual birthday, so she had us over for birthday lunch and cupcakes on the 16th.  They were so excited to see decorations, balloons, cupcakes and presents!  Thank you Grandma for a special lunch and kick-off to the celebration.

On Friday, 17th Ford and Jake brought cupcakes to school to share with their classes.   They were so excited to bring a special treat and each of their classes sang to them.  I think they each loved having that individual attention on a day they have to share with each other. 

Ford's teacher was so sweet to send a picture.

Ford and Jake slept on their toddler mattresses in the playroom the night before their birthday.  Daddy and I had to work on their birthday surprise - new beds! 

They were so excited to see their new "big" beds!  The kitchen was also decorated with streamers, banners, balloons and the huge blow up cake!  They had french toast for birthday breakfast and we went to Chili's for lunch (their pick).  Ford loves chicken and french fries and Jake has become quite the hamburger eater.

Later on Gigi and Granddaddy came over to give birthday greetings and gifts.  Aunt Kimberly, Uncle Glenn, Blake and Benjamin also stopped by to visit.

They requested homemade pizza for dinner and chocolate cake with green icing.  Ford wanted Buzz and Woody on his cake and Jake wanted Lightening and Mater.  Those were similar to their cakes the previous year, but it was at their request.  We sang to each individually in birth order - Ford then Jake.

Here's their new "Big Boy" room with awesome bedding from Gigi/Granddaddy and Grandma/Grandpa.  We still have some things to do:  wall decor arranging, new curtains, and staining/painting the night stand. 

Ready for the first night in new beds!!

Grandma and Grandpa stopped by later on Sunday to see their new room set-up.  They were so excited to show them.  We can't believe we have two 4 year olds!  We say it every year, but time really does fly by!  The 4th and final birthday celebration is still to come. . . a Fire Station Birthday Party with friends on the 25th!!

Happy 4th Birthday!

Happy Birthday Ford and Jake!  We are so proud of you and can't imagine our lives without you both.  You are two very active, sweet boys who are becoming so independent and strong. 

Mommy and Daddy love you forever.

Our custom shirts by Daddy:  Hansard Bros. "We are pretty hot stuff"

Valentine's Day

Ford and Jake love any holiday and Valentine's Day is a great one to LOVE!   On the 14th, they had Friendship Parties planned at school.  Ford and Jake picked Cars Valentines for their friends and signed their names on each one.  We also threw in a lollipop and tattoo.  They also brought their fabulous teachers special treats.   Party days are one of the few opportunities parents have to actually help in the classroom.  I planned on going, but wasn't sure how I'd split my time, since they are in different classes.  I visited Ford's class first, he was excited to see me and gave me a big hug.  His teacher went through the schedule of events for the party, then the kids broke apart to their first station.  I went to Ford and he just looked at me funny.  I said Ford, do you want me to stay with you or go?  He said "Go, I can do it myself Mommy".  So, I decided to head down to Jake's class.  He was super excited to see me and kept giving me hugs.  I stayed at the bag decorating station the whole time and got to help him and his classmates.  All the kids at school are so cute and I had fun helping out.  When Jake's party was wrapping up, I decided to head back down to Ford's to catch the end.  I just stayed for a few minutes, then let him get back to his class.  I'm so proud of how much they both have already grown since the beginning of the school year. 

Ford going through his Valentine's from school friends.

Jake sorting his Valentine's.

Special heart lunch for my 2 little men.

We did a family Valentine's celebration dinner on the 14th.  Daddy picked up Patrizio's for dinner and I made dessert.  I couldn't imagine celebrating a day of love any other way than with my 3 loves (and a furry one).

Heart shaped chocolate covered angel food cakes with strawberry filling.

We also had a Valentine's celebration with our playgroup friends.  All the kids exchanged Valentine's and we ate a yummy lunch.  We also celebrated Madison and Sydney's birthday and gave them their gifts.

All the kids look so sweet, then there are my crazy two!