Calvin is 4 years old!!!

This dear sweet boy turned 4 on August 24! Look at that face. Pure deliciousness. 

We started planning his birthday party about a month prior because he was SO excited. He wanted to make a lot of lists ... we narrowed it quickly down to a backyard party under the theme of "green and blue", Cal's favorite colors. And he wanted lots of balloons, especially on the trees. We were blessed with a beautiful, sunny, 80 degree day and great friends and family who were able to celebrate with us. 

The hit of the party for Calvin (and perhaps for all the kids), was a last minute addition of brilliance by my mother - the parachute. They LOVED running under it, throwing the ball on it, etc. It was fabulous. 

Kees and Silas enjoying the water balloons in the swimming pool. 

Fun at the water table! 

 What we decided to do was just set up "stations" around the yard and just let the kids play. Other than the parachute, most organized games didn't really work. But the kids enjoyed water ballons, a bean bag toss, the slide, the water table, and the dump truck corner.

After some fun play, we opened presents. 

And then it was time for birthday cake! This little girl near Calvin is Emma Joe, a friend from preschool. She was a hoot. Calvin loved having her there. 

Ice cream cake with green and blue candles!

Some presents the next day (on his actual birthday) with mom and dad. 

Love this boy! 

He got some awesome gifts this year for his birthday. Favorites included some new Thomas trains, a cool crane truck from Grandma and Grandpa, and this fun new bike from Nanny and Papa. He's a loved little boy!

We had a wonderful birthday weekend. Predictably, he fell apart for a few days afterwards as a result of all the anticipation and fun. He is getting so tall, so articulate, so thoughtful ... it's such big fun watching him grow up! And we are praying that four will be easier than three ;).