FOUR.

I know this may sound a bit strange but I feel like you've been four for the last six months or so, already. You already know how to bike without training wheels, you get yourself dressed, go to the potty without prompting {most days}, and help around the house with things that need to be done…you are quite the big boy already. It's certainly bittersweet, first born. 

You love meat, pasta, warmed tea with honey, and "God's gift to your tongue" {Nutella, for the non-Swenson}. You still love to match with brother and often ask to do things exactly like him. You love your little sister, dearly, and love to pretend to take care of her, like change her diaper. 

Octonauts, Dinosaur train, and Cars are some of your favorite screen time shows. Superheroes, especially Thor, are all the rage! You love anything active: kicking/throwing ball, biking, walking, scooting, etc. And you still love gymnastics every week and request going to the "bike park" at least three times per week.

"Soft pants" are your preferred dress code, instead of jeans or other stiff clothing. And you usually have to be talked into bath/shower time. "But" is currently a favorite response when asked to do something. You're just now starting to get into building things, like legos. And still love to be read to and look through books. School is one of your favorite activities. You can write your name, count, add, and just starting to sound out letters. 

We love that you still love to cuddle with us often and know the days are numbered where we can hold you or carry you upstairs to bed. You love playing with your friends and will ask often to go outside to see if the neighbors can play. And you haven't met a stranger you couldn't strike up a conversation with. Our little social butterfly. 

It's such a blessing to have you as our first. You are such a great leader and love to help others. Your communication skills are awesome and we love it when you think out loud. Ezra, you are such a delight and your motivation is inspiring! You're just so good at sticking to something even if it's hard work. 

Happy FOURTH, little man! Can't wait to see all that you'll learn and do this year!! 

Super E Turns FOUR.

I'm so terribly behind in updating. So that's gonna be my excuse for not even editing these pictures I got from a family friend. So glad she got these shots and we'll just take 'em as is. ;)

E really wanted to superhero party this year to celebrate starting his fourth year of life. We went with a variety of avengers style decor and activities. Our first kiddo party and he got to invite whoever he wanted. I may or may not have almost died from anxiety with what to do with kids indoors. But it went great and so glad it didn't rain this year.  

 The kiddos worked on decorating their superhero cuffs and putting on tattoos at the tattoo pallor.

i made a variety of superhero felt masks along with the cuffs to decorate. 

He is still talking about his birthday party and all his friends that got to be there. It was definitely a hit!

TWO Cool For School Party

Theo's birthday party was over the weekend. I had no idea until Sunday morning that it was also the kick-off of football season. Duh! But everyone came and loved on our little butterball. He is the sweetest; he showed so much gratitude and delight the whole time. 

I went with a "school" theme for Theo's second..even though he's a loooong way off until he'll be crackin' open the books. But with the new vintage desk in their room and the giant school map waiting to be hung up as inspiration, I just went with it: paper airplanes, lined paper, a globe, number two pencils, books, and apples.

I kept things real simple by just serving a handful of snacks and just focused on dessert. W is master dessert maker so he made the cupcakes and frosted them, per usual. He made a slightly larger cupcake for Theo.

For a guest book, I made cut-out apples for everyone to sign.

And put his baby book out viewing.

Vesper got her share of being passed around during the party. She was a good sport. When she got tired, into the carrier she would go.

Opening presents was by far the best entertainment. Theo would get so hooked on one gift that he would completely ignore my suggestions to keep going. And Ezra was having the time of his life watching all the new gifts Theo was getting. I'm pretty sure he must have figured out that he would be playing with them too eventually. But I was grateful for his awesome attitude either way. {He may have mentioned more than once that he got a little something too by way of his Thor costume...}

And I'm so happy to report that he kept that birthday crown on the entire party. He sure knows how to make this Mama happy. ;)

He may have needed a little help with blowing out the candle but certainly not the eating part. 

Happy second birthday, Butterball! You are totally TWO cool.

Theo's Birthday // Weekend Recap

We were kinda bumps on a log over the weekend. I wasn't feeling super great--fighting a clogged duct since Friday morning {which ever so slowly worked itself out, thank goodness!!!} and we were just pretty tired. So, we stayed pretty close to home. We caught up on chores and played together.

On Theo's birthday, we started the day with his favorite: donuts. Then we played outside, explored a creek, and had the gparents over for singing, candles and gifts. 

Theo loved opening his gifts. He took it so seriously; it was adorable. He is totally my shy guy. He doesn't enjoy being the spotlight, being the subject of pictures very often, is harder to read, and takes awhile to warm up to people. He's got a "old soul" and just get things at a young age. I feel like he's so much like his Papa and very much a "Swenson." He may or may not have me wrapped around his little finger...when he's not getting into stuff. ;)

Ezra lucked out and also got a 'gift' from his gparents. They were generous enough to bring him the costume that they had ordered. And Juju got lots of Grandpa time. :)

The boys made sure to show off their new threads. 

Theo certainly LOVES the candles and singing part... and having an extra donut. I guess when it's your birthday, you get extra perks. ;)

Road-tripping North

We left on Friday late-morning to Lake Almanor for a wedding of a dear, dear college friend. I dropped the boys off at my parents {so so thankful they let us so we could get north before dinner!!!}, picked up W, and started our 4+ hour adventure. There was a great deal of this...

and this...

With a little of this thrown in between.

We made it to Lake Almanor in the evening and settled into our house. We did the VRBO {vacation rental by owner} route with a few other couples attending the wedding. It worked out so perfectly. Great location within the Lake's country club, spitting distance to the lake and short drive to the wedding site. Lots of room. Vesper got her own "room" by way of pack n' play in a giant walk-in closet in our master. It also included all the extra perks that a house brings: access to multiple bathrooms, lovely porch for breakfast, full kitchen, and living room area with comfy sofa. We were instant fans.

We made dinner and walked down to the lake to eat...which may or may not have been on private property...

We spent the rest of the evening relaxing, visiting with another couple staying with us, and figuring out our plan for the next fews days.

So Proud

Over Father's Day weekend, E abandoned his training wheels. That means at a few days shy of three and a half, he can fully ride his bike. It was such a proud and exciting moment seeing him pedal around the block. I may have screamed in excitement.

We knew it was only a matter of time since the kid was biking since 18 months and often asked if we would take the training wheels off. Two things really seemed to seal the deal for the final transition...

1) Borrowing our neighbor's strider so E could understand the balance part. He rode it a few times before getting really good at putting his feet up and coasting for long distances.

2) A neighborhood friend learned on her bike last week while we were outside playing. E usually plays with the older girls around our area, so I know he often looks up to them. They are also the reason he knows about "tag, you're it". The first thing he said when he was riding was, "Now, I can ride my bike just like my friend." A great example of positive peer pressure. :)

Now he's back to asking if he can ride everyday. And he just loves being able to ride next to W while he's on his BMX bike. Such a thrilling milestone as a parent!