Over the weekend we celebrated Caden’s 4th birthday! I can’t believe that he’s four already, though at the same time, I can barely remember what my life was like without him in it. Everything changes when you have a child. Absolutely everything. Caden has helped me to grow in so many ways. He’s also brought out the best and worst in me as we’ve struggled and triumphed through so many things in the last few years. I love my son more than anything and was so happy to celebrate with him on this special weekend.
Saturday was party day so we started with a special (and easy) breakfast of donuts.
I decorated the cake right away in the morning. I didn’t really have a clear vision of what I wanted to do ahead of time, but I think it turned out pretty well! I baked the cakes on Thursday night and froze them, then made the fondant and rice krispie treats on Friday. So putting it all together on Saturday was pretty easy. I’ve never been too thrilled with making or eating cake, but I like to try and do something really special for my boys’ birthdays. Besides looking pretty cool, this one actually tasted great too! The chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting and marshmallow fondant…a perfect combination for deliciousness!
Earlier this week the boys and I made salt dough leaf ornaments to give as party favors. I wish I found the motivation to do little craft projects with them more often because I usually love how they turn out!
It’s party time! Notice I even dished out six dollars so I could have my own Angry Birds shirt that I’ll probably never wear again. It made for a cute picture, though, right? 🙂
Caden was so hyped up by the time the party started. He loves seeing all his grandmas and grandpas and aunts and uncles!
Shepard was sleeping until the party started, so he was a little perplexed by all the people and balloons that appeared while he was out. Everyone was standing up so he just kept wandering around with his head up staring at everyone.
Birthday silliness.
Caden still rolling wildly around.
Present time! Shepard got to open the first present, which seemed to confuse both of them.
The first of many Batman presents!
He’s pretty excited about opening up a big present.
This toy was definitely a hit! The boys have been playing with it almost nonstop since it’s been open. Caden got a ton of Batman accessories and extra figurines too, so it worked out perfectly.
Donkey Kong Jenga.
CooCoo the Rocking Clown game. I’m kind of obsessed with Blue Orange games so awhile ago we watched all the game videos they have on amazon and Caden really liked this one. I’m glad he got it!
Shepard is very concerned because Grandpa kept falling asleep.
Another hit! Caden has been obsessed with toy guitars the last few months so this was really exciting. Hopefully this will make him finally forget the toy guitar I bought for Shepard awhile ago for Christmas that he found out about and was really mad that I wouldn’t let them immediately play with.
The aunts and uncles dove into Jenga. I was amazed at how long their game went. I’ve never been very good at Jenga.
Happy birthday, Caden!
Me and my little angel – ha! I guess he was being an angel during the party. 🙂 Which was a huge success! I think everyone had a great time and Caden felt so special.
Here the boys are bright and early on Sunday, Caden’s actual birthday. The first thing they wanted to play with was this cash register that I wouldn’t let them open in the chaos Saturday night. Caden loves playing store so this is the perfect accessory!
Birthday breakfast of cinnamon rolls, bacon, and orange juice.
More presents!
Shepard is still busy playing in the Batcave.
Angry Bird underwear seemed to be his favorite present of the day. He was a lot more excited than I expected!
Caden immediately had to put a pair on, so of course Shepard did too.
I was excited about giving Caden this camera that I’ve had picked out since last Christmas. He loves playing with my old cameras, but I thought it’d be nice to have a kids camera that actually can do cool effects and stuff. So far he only seems somewhat interested in it.
Another Blue Orange game. They make cool games.
Playing Batman together in their Angry Bird undies.
Birthday boy showing off his new Daddy shirt and new Batman shoes.
Shepard in the background once again copying everything Caden is doing.
We had lunch at Wendy’s. You can tell by now that he’s really not feeling well. He only ate half of a chicken nugget. After Wendy’s we went swimming at the Y. He loved that!
After swimming the boys took long, late naps and everyone woke up seemingly more sick and cranky. I felt pretty bad for Caden. It’s no fun feeling so crummy on your birthday. He handled it fairly well, though. I just wish he’d start feeling better.
I like our perfectly color matched outfits.
Shepard really woke up in a bad mood. But he stopped crying so he could get a picture (just like Caden).
Trying out Jenga again. Both boys were surprisingly good at it.
I was going to make a special dinner, but we ended up having leftovers from the party instead. The root beer was his special treat – and the only thing he actually had for dinner. He said his tummy hurt and he could only drink things, not eat.
I also had cupcakes I was going to frost and make special for him, but we decided to just do a piece of leftover cake instead. He ate the little candies I put around it.
And that was his birthday! He’s a very well loved and special little boy. I love how much he’s changed in this past year I can’t wait to see what comes of the next! Happy birthday, Caden!
