Happy birthday, Grayson!

My precious first born child is now a FOUR YEAR OLD! I can hardly believe it. The past four years have been the best (and hardest) of my life, and I am so, so proud of my sweet boy. This past year has been a big one for him---he stopped using his paci, became potty trained both during the day and at night, moved to the primary class at school, graduated from occupational therapy, learned almost all of his letters and letter sounds, and became such a big boy!

We had a little party with a HUGE water slide this past weekend to celebrate Grayson's birthday. It was a total last-minute party (I've been just a bit preoccupied with our fussy new baby to plan anything in advance) that included a verbal invitation to a handful of Grayson's friends, last minute calls to the water slide rental place, grocery store (for the cake) and party store (balloons--this boy adores balloons!), and a very excited little boy. Everything went over well except for the water slide. I tried to rent the one we used in June for Emma Claire's party, but since it was such a last minute idea, the smaller slide had already been rented. I should have been clued in when the lady said "it depends on the four-year-old" when I asked if the slide was appropriate for four-year-olds, but I figured eighteen feet high wouldn't be that bad. Uh, not such a good idea. I won't even tell you how much we spent to rent this thing for two hours, but it definitely didn't go over well. Grayson and Emma Claire excitedly climbed to the top as soon as the pool had filled up with water, only to sit there and SCREAM and CRY hysterically to get down. :) Luckily, Tyler and Sanders, brave girls that they are, loved the slide and used it enough that it wasn't a total bust. Live and learn, live and learn!!! :) Anyway, even if the slide wasn't the hit I had hoped it would be, the party was fun and Grayson had a blast. On top of this party and the celebration of life ceremony at school, we celebrated again two days later on his actual birthday so he has had his fill of cake and candles to last him until next August. Whew!!!

screaming at the top of the slide...

this was adorable--Vann brought some frogs to the party and I caught a picture of him showing a frog to Emma Claire. How cute is that??

Sanders--one of the two children brave enough to go down the slide! :)

Gibson stuffing his face with cake

EC doing the same thing

Our little soccer lover got a soccer goal and ball for his birthday--it was a hit!

celebration of life at school--next to his friend, Hayes

dressed up in his gift from Lauren and Andrew---you know he's been to bible school this summer when he called it "God's armor". :)

Grayson, you are such an amazing gift from God, and I can hardly remember what life was like before you were born. You have taught me the true meaning of unconditional love. You are incredibly smart, stubborn, funny, affectionate, and curious. I am so proud to be your mommy, and I can't wait to see what the next year has in store for you. I love you, sweet boy! :)