Ben's 4th birthday

We woke up really excited Friday morning for Ben's birthday. He told me that now that he was 4 he would not be very funny anymore, he would only be a little hilarious. He wanted to be more serious. I told him I didn't like that idea but OK! He came downstairs and tried out his new spider-man bike.

We went to the grocery store, which is always very interesting with 3 kids but I must say they are pretty darn good. No fits or tantrums, they stick with me and are happy all through the store. I was proud, no one asked for anything special so when we got to the check out they got to pick out something for being soooo good for over an hour. Ben picked out some Sasquatch beef jerky and chars said "me too" and had the same thing. I love going to the store with Ben because he strikes up a conversation with anyone who will talk to him. One very sweet lady was putting up produce and Ben asked her if she liked fruit since this was her job and then they started talking about spider man. She had a son so she knew all about the heroes which REALLY impressed Ben. They swam some in the back yard and then dad got home. The boys and Dad went to Max's birthday party and Ellodie and I went to a friend's baby shower. A good day!

The next day was his party. We set up the blow up slide and swimming pool and the kids had water guns. We cooked out hot dogs and burgers. I was thrilled that no one got hurt! I love Ben's friends they are so funny. Max kind of stood over everything and observed. Since he had just had his party the night before (he and Ben were born on the exact same day) he felt he had a lot of advice to give. While Ben was opening his presents Max kept saying "Ben, let me show you how to open this" and "Ben, tear and rip it open just like I did at my party!". On and ON, but soooo cute! Ben's friend John has his birthday in 2 weeks so I was asking him what he would like and he told me he wanted an iPad! He was completely serious! I told him I was interested in getting him something else since that was a gift his parents would probably want to give him and he just kept playing, I got no answer! Mattingly was obsessed with Ellodie! She is two like charlie and she loves babies. Any time someone besides her mother would hold Ellodie she would cry. So cute!

This is, from left to right, Chars, Hayes, Ben, and Max.

Ben got a superman mask and a captain america mask and shield that were hits at the party.

Chars got a Thor mask from Kari and Mario, which was really sweet so that he didn't feel left out!

After the party Ben, Chars, Ellodie, and Scott got dressed up in the new superhero costumes and played.

Ben got a little electric guitar from John and chars stole it for himself. This is what always happens with the musical instruments, chars LOVES them. We have him on the waiting list for a spot at Mrs. Hickman's music school.

By the Way, check out those legs!!


Now Kari didn't want Ellodie left out either and she got her some leg warmers which she is proudly sporting here!

Here is some video of Charlie on the guitar!