Birthday Fun

As I mentioned in one of my previous posts, March is a very busy month for us, which ultimately means less blogging. March kicks off with Gavin's birthday, which is always a special occasion. This year Gavin's birthday was extra special because it coincided with his first soccer game. We had lots of extended family come to town for his game and birthday party.

Dear Gavin,

You are FOUR YEARS OLD now. In the grand scheme of things, four years is a blink of an eye, a nanosecond in what I hope is a long and happy life for you - full of adventures, love, and extraordinary experiences, and plenty of ordinary everyday experiences, what we call the "little things."

The Director of your preschool calls you "a force of nature." She is right, you are a force, full of energy. Making you laugh and smile is still one of your parents' favorite past times.

There's no denying that you are an athlete. You have always been and continue to be a natural. These days we are working on your sportsmanship. You are very competitive and perhaps slightly spoiled. Spoilage is no doubt the burden you bear from being an only child and the center of our world. Daddy is your coach and maybe that's not the best thing for you right now, but we are going to stick out this first season and maybe change things up next season. In the three weeks you have been practicing and playing we have seen a great improvement and we are proud to watch you grow into this thing that you love so dearly.

You are the youngest on your team, but hold your own. You scored several goals and at one point celebrated with a mid-field cartwheel.

You are loved and bring much joy to your father and I. We hope your fourth year around the sun is as special to you as it is to us. I love you, Mom.

After your soccer game we celebrated your birthday at a nearby trampoline gym. This is one of your favorite places to spend time on a rainy day. This was also the first year we invited friends from school.

The Birthday Boy

My sister and I were having our portrait made when Papa Don photo bombed us. I am glad he did, it made for a great photo of dad with his two girls.

Your big gifts this year were your first bicycle, from mom and dad, 

and new Puma kicks from Nana and Papa in San Antonio. 

A new backyard playscape from Nana and Papa in TN. They supplied the lumber and slide and Casey built it with his dad and brother. Since these photos were taken Casey has also added a rock climbing wall, holds made by Uncle Kelly in Georgia. I plan on adding a steering wheel, telescope and periscope, and a few handles.

And something that you don't know about yet, a 4-week kids' camp at our local climbing gym from Nana and Papa in San Antonio. What made the weekend most special were all the special guests, not all our guests are pictured, but it doesn't mean we don't appreciate their time or love them any less.

Cousins Bristol and Colton. 

Colton is showing off his new braces, he will be 13 years old this year. Where is time going?

Aunt Courtney and cousin Bristol.

A walk to our neighborhood playground with Aunt Shannon and Nana.

Playing hide-in-seek with Aunt Shannon. 

Playing with the t-ball set from Uncle Tyler. 

Happy Birthday Lil' Mann! xoxo