And then he was Four

Oh Gav...  You've been planning your Lego birthday for about the past eight months.

It all started with this cake:

Gavin is super into Legos since he got his first Ninjago figure in January.  We've been earning and collecting small pieces since then.  I had this idea for a Lego head.  When Brian's family decided to celebrate the Sunday before, I figured I couldn't reinvite them over for more cake on the actual day.  Brian said that we should just do our own thing - meaning the four of us.  "But there are FIVE layers!" Who on earth would eat all that?

And the seventeen-child-count four-year-old birthday party that was never supposed to happen came to pass.  And the boy was happy.

Neighbor friends: Owen, Alec, Andrew, Savana, Robby, Ander, Kaylee, Chase, Tad, Truly, Ayda, McKay, Elsa, Van, Rome

Balloon games.  Brian was awesome as he headed up the organization of the activities.  I was cutting cake and such and afterwards when I told him what a rockstar he was, he said, "Hey - I've got a kid switch."  And he does.

A taste of cake and 'green' ice cream.

The kids were so generous with their gifts.  Gavin was a spoiled boy.  It was so funny with that many kids.  He would grab a gift and try to start opening it and five kids would magnet right to him.  He would move away a few feet (the kid needs his space) and they would all follow.  I think he was wondering why the heck they were following him around, but he handled it well.

And this is how we knew it was over...

The day after Gavin asked if we could go to Chuck-E-Cheese for his 5th birthday.  I said, "Don't even talk about it..."  No way dude - not yet.

Dear Gavin,

Do you know how much we love you?  Really.  You are such a sweet boy.  We call you Tender Heart.  You are sensitive and aware.  You are generally compliant and as of late have been the super helper.  I can send you to run random errands for me around the house and you know exactly what I need and how to get it.

At age four, you:

• love Legos
• just watched the Star Wars Triology.  You are walking around humming the theme song
• have memorized the first five Articles of Faith 
• are getting dare-devilish on your bike.  You lift your legs and stand up while you are riding and think you are hot stuff
• are still cautious
• HATE bees and other large bugs.  
• your favorite color is green
• can count to 50 on your own and practice every day
• can identify all of the letters and their sounds
• can write your name and can copy letters that I show you
• are getting pickier with food.  Still a great eater and usually willing to try a bite of anything, but are starting to have opinions and say "yuck!"  
• shared an Article of Faith and said a prayer for the first time without wimping out (I may have teared up just a bit...)
• love to be with your friends.  Buddies you play with regularly: Savana and Robby, Lorin and Luke.  I would say Ander is your best bud and you two play so cute and nice together. 
• are ready for preschool.  I think you will do great with other kids and be eager and interested to learn
• will watch TV all day if I'm not careful.  I finally had to limit your shows.  
• can navigate the TV without me.  You know the remote and TV buttons and can flip back and forth on Netflix like nobody's business. 
• love to play the iPad.  Likewise, I don't even help you with it.  
• make your bed and get yourself dressed everyday.  It's kindof nice to not have to put on your shoes and buckle your seatbelt.  Let's hear it for independence!  
• tell me I'm beautiful and that I'm a princess.  And that my hair is nice.  And that I paint toes good.  
• ask me where we are five times while we are driving - trying to figure out different cities.  You have an amazing sense of direction and know where this or that is even if we've only been there once  
• wonder how God talks to you and why you can't see Jesus.  You tell me you want to be baptized and make good choices.  Your questions and statements are sweet and sincere.  One funny thing that happened last month was when I had the music up loud in the car and you yelled from the back seat, "Mom!  I can't hear Jesus!"  

I have been impressed to watch you handle McKay.  He really loves you, you know.  He copies everything you do.  Everything.  Sometimes (okay, often) he hits you and it makes you cry.  But you are starting to talk through it and tell him not to _____ (fill in the blank.)  Last week I moved his crib into your room and you are officially sharing brothers.  I think you like being together.  In the morning you chat and come in and tell me what he needs.  I was especially impressed not too long ago when I was busy doing something and McKay was crying and needed a hug.  You pulled him onto your lap and he layed his head on your shoulder and you talked to him nice and soft, just like I might when he's feeling sad.  You are kind and a great brother.  I am excited to have him be able to look up to you.

You are such a sweetie.  I am happy to see you every day and am excited to see what four-year-old stuff you'll do this year.

Love,
Mom