Happy 4 year old!

Last Sunday Gracen turned 4!  He has been anxiously awaiting this birthday!  He counted down the days the entire week.  

We started the day by letting him open his presents.  He just couldn't wait.  He got a lot of fun things.  A bike, coloring stuff, binoculars, and lincoln logs were just a few of the things he opened.

Riding his new bike!

We went to church.  On the way I said something to him and said, "okay buddy." and he said to me, "You mean Birthday Boy!" he was taking the birthday thing very seriously.  During primary he got a paper candle to take to the Bishop so he could get a treat.  As we were walking down, we saw Bishop and he started asking Gracen about his birthday.  He asked Gracen how old he was and Gracen held 4 of his fingers down near his belly and started quietly counting them.  It was pretty funny.  I think he was just making sure he said the right number.  

Later that day we had a birthday dinner and birthday cake.  It wasn't fancy.  He will be having a dinosaur themed party this weekend.  So I saved my energy for making a dino cake for that.  He liked the simple little cake I made.  He said he wanted a chocolate cake with cherries on top. (Cherries went on after we cut it.) 

He wanted to put his own candles on. 

Birthday Boy!

He enjoyed his day!  It was pretty laid back, but fun!  I love celebrating birthdays with my kiddos.  

This boy has brought us so much joy!  I love everything about him.  He is so sweet and caring.  

At 4 years old...

-He loves superheroes.  He is going to be Green Lantern for Halloween.

-He likes to keep things secret.  If his teacher asks what he brought on his snack day, he gives a look and says, "It's a secret!"  

-He's working on learning to read.

-He's learning a lot, and has a great interest in it.  

-He likes learning about the gospel.  He seems to understand it more than I would expect a 4 year old to.

Driving home last week, I told the kids we'd stop and get something to eat for dinner before we went home. We were in a scary part of town and it was dark, so I told them that we would wait to stop until we got closer to our house.  He asked why, and I told him because there were a lot of bad people that lived in that part of town so I didn't want to stop there.  He said, "I'm going to say a prayer."  I heard him back there mumble a few words.  Then a few minutes later I asked him what he was praying about, and he said, "I prayed that the people wouldn't be wicked anymore."  He has such a kind heart and wants everyone to be happy and not wicked.  I love that he used the word wicked.  

-He loves to play with his friends.  

-He likes to be just like dad!

I love this boy!

Happy Birthday Gracen!

A few recent pictures...