Splish splash...

Turning FOUR is such a blast!!

We celebrated Radley and Kayla's birthday {again} on Saturday at a local pool and had so much fun! 

One of the perks of the September birthday in Texas is that it is still warm enough to have a swimming party, but hopefully cooled down enough to be tolerable. We lucked out this year since it dropped about 10 degrees in the past week! 

And everyone was excited to go swimming...

Especially these two...

I don't know if either of them really gets that they don't actually share a birthday. I mean, they are smart kids, so I guess they realize it, but I think both would prefer if they could do everything the same. 

I will say that a pool party was definitely the way to go! You see those balloons in the background and that cute sign the kids are standing under... that was the extent of the decorations. ALL of them. That's it!  I know, crazy, right?!?!? I'm sure that we could have done more...but we didn't and you know what, EVERYONE survived!! Especially these two ladies... 

We stuck to our guns and didn't go "overboard"! Gold stars for us!

Instead we got to focus on what was important, like taking pics of our FOUR year olds SWIMMING! :)

Another secret to the pool party... DAD DUTY! For the most part, Dads were in the water while all the Moms were socializing, talking, taking pictures of our cute families. 

And how cute is this family? I love how Emmy is always more interested in Radley than the camera .... well, maybe I wish she would look at me THEN at him ... but it's still pretty cute. 

This pool is great because it has a beach entry, so even Cooper man could play. And if he wasn't such a roly poly guy, Jenni could have sat down and enjoyed the water, too! ;)

The weather was almost (dare I say) too cool.... 

Rad had to get out and warm up a bit... 

And then Kayla.... 

And then everyone else. BUT, I did remember to bring some chalk, so the party continued! ;)

And, well it was almost time for cupcakes and presents! Look at these cute FOUR year olds!

"I am Radley. I blow out candles. I am four!!!"

The one thing that we (and by we, I mean, Krista) went all out on was the cupcakes. I would have hands down just purchased some because baking is not my thing...but Krista is an excellent baker and insists on making them herself. I insist on tasting the icing.  

And I'm glad that she enjoys it because everyone loved them... 

Radley and Kayla got "king-sized" cupcakes... 

Karli-bug

Kayla...

Cade... 

and Annaliese... 

All of the kiddos...

Jackson, Davis, Caroline, Annaliese, Jillian, Tristan, Kayla, Emersyn, Radley, Piper, Karli, Cooper and Carlos. 

And KK and Mr. Ryan drove all the way from Dallas! Someone was pretty happy!

Can't believe We 4 Kings have a FOUR year old! What a fun week celebrating him and all that he brings to our lives! 

Birthday Recap...

After two days worth of trying to upload these pictures for this post, I **think** I may proceed with Radley's Birthday recap! 

Just an FYI to blogger, I hate you right now. I had a whole cute post for Emmy and a wedding and well, now...the pictures are gone. If it isn't you and it's our barely 3 year old computer, then well, that makes me even angrier. 

So back to the birthday... 

He woke up with a HUGE smile on his face! He was so ready for HIS birthday (his bestie, Kayla, has a birthday the day before his and it was difficult for him to get that they don't have the same birthday!)

He was greeted by a cake and a present from GiGi and Pops... 

Then it was off to school. He was in such a good mood that Emmy got a birthday kiss from him, too!

Sporting his new number 4 shirt from GiGi and Pops... 

And a quick pic with Mom!

After school we headed to his favorite place, Chic Fil A... 

Along with a few of his closest friends! He was so excited that everyone was there and was just all over the place! They got to eat and then play on the playground for a "very long time" - he was so happy that the day could have ended there!

But it didn't! :) 

We headed to our house for some cake and presents (thanks everyone - y'all are too sweet).

He was just sharing the love with everyone that day!

 

Caro, Anna, and Kayla almost got knocked down by his excitement!

Emmy quickly staked her claim on tissue paper and leggos.

Then we headed outside to play (he got a cement mixer and "builder man" tools for the sandbox from Emersyn, but again, blogger hates me and wouldn't let me upload the pics). The weather was PERFECT! After a solid 3 months of 100+ temperatures, the breeze and the cool air was a gift to all the adults. 

The kids were having so much fun, they were almost disappointed to stop playing for cake. But they changed their minds... 

Radley and his silly crew...

Radley, Emmy, Jackson, Anna, Caro, and Kayla

It was a great day! Filled with friends, family and a whole lot of fun! :)

Love you, buddy!

Tiny Tales Thursday...

Rad has still been having a "hard time" listening/paying attention/using his words, etc... I think being "4" is going to be about trying to assert his independence and have his voice heard. And while I appreciate that, I also appreciate my sweet, kind, loving, adorable little boy even more!

We have been talking a lot about his behavior and asking him why he is having such a "hard time" doing what he is supposed to do. He doesn't really know how to answer but we try to reinforce good behavior and discourage bad behavior.

I think he may be getting tired of hearing about the "hard time" he is having. As I was trying to upload some pictures onto the blog this morning (sometimes me and the blogger don't get along) Radley noticed how disgruntled I was getting. He walked up to me, patted me on the back and said...

Are you having a hard time, Mommy?

Yes, buddy, yes I am. :)