Rock on!

Plans are under way for Payton's 4th birthday party.  It is hard for me to deal with the fact that four years have passed by so quickly.  I have loved every minute of Payton's 3 years 11 months and 2 days...not that I've been counting!  I love watching him grow and gain independence but I hate watching my baby disappear before my eyes.  I know the overall goal of parenting is to raise children who eventually gain their own goals, beliefs, desires, etc but it sure is hard to watch all of this go by so quickly.  I realize he is only going to be 4 - not 14 or 18 or 21 - but four is still a big deal.  At five, I may have to start counseling.

We will be celebrating Payton's 4th birthday with a family birthday party the weekend prior to his birthday.  This will include lots of family heading into town.  We will celebrate the weekend with lots of great food, family, laughs and memories. It is one of my favorite weekends and Payton is already excited about his big day.  On Sunday afternoon, we'll have a party for his friends at a local park.

We are going to be using a Rock Star theme for both parties in honor of our little rock star of course!  This mostly comes from Payton's favorite show - the Fresh Beat Band on Nick Jr.  I don't want to give away too many details of his cake.  I have a few awesome ideas and I'm hoping I'll have enough time to bake his cake and decorate as planned.  If it turns out as I have planned it will be AWESOME!  We'll have a cake for the family party and cupcakes for his party with friends.

You may remember from the past few years that we have elected to support a charity for Payton's birthday.  This year, instead of asking for monetary donations we have decided on a more tangible idea.  We gave Payton the option of Water Missions International and the MUSC Children's Hospital.  I used the internet to show Payton a few pictures and videos about each organization and he remembers gathering money for the Walk for Water last year.  This year, he chose the MUSC Children's Hospital.  Following his birthday party from his friends, we will let him pick 3 presents to keep - the remainder of the gifts will be donated to the Children's Hospital.  If we have any duplicate gifts we will do the same with those.  We will be gathering change for the Walk for Water again this year for our church.  I'm happy we will be able to help out in two areas.  I think the act of taking the gifts to the Children's Hospital will really make an impact in Payton's little mind.  I know first hand how much these gifts are appreciated at the Children's Hospital and I'm happy to be able to support all the kids cared for at MUSC.

I'm looking forward to celebrating his 4th birthday!!

Speaking of birthdays....we had a little party here tonight.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO BAILEY!!! 

Today is Bailey's 6th birthday.  The boys enjoyed singing happy birthday to her, giving her extra treats and giving her 2 presents - one from each of them.  She was very happy with her 2 new tennis balls!  Payton was happy to pass the ball on to her.  Owen didn't really understand and I think he wanted to keep the ball for his own play!  Owen also got very upset that Bailey was able to eat a "cook-ee" (dog treat) but that he wasn't able to have one as well!  Owen does love her most of all....but he does not like to share food with anyone!  Bailey seems to have really enjoyed her special day.  To my first baby and the only little girl in my life....thanks for always bringing joy to my day...and white hair to my clothes.  We love you Bailey Girl!  Happy Birthday!