All Cupcaked Out

Five days (and many, many cupcakes) later, I think we can call Ethan's fourth birthday a well-celebrated success. For a brief moment, we were worried yet another snowstorm would keep Ethan from going to school on his birthday, but thankfully he was able to go and share his purple cupcakes with friends. We celebrated with him that evening,

opening some presents,

eating his favorite meal (macaroni and cheese with peas),

and devouring a few more purple cupcakes. The plow driver must have known it was Ethan's special day, as he made a perfectly-timed appearance right after we had finished our cupcakes. The boys watched him plow our driveway from the garage, then settled in to watch him do the neighbors' driveways.

To continue the birthday fun, Ethan got to stay home from school on Thursday for a special Mommy-Ethan day (who knew that a trip to the vet and going out to lunch could make a four-year old so happy?!). And as icing on the cake (pun intended), we had Ethan's "official" birthday party last night. I call it a party, but it was really just both sets of grandparents coming over for dinner and fun - exactly what the birthday boy requested.

A mini version of Grandpa's fishing boat, complete with trailer and Jeep to tow it

The oft-requested baby bed - we'll see if this actually gets used to nap babies or rather to push around / climb on / throw trucks into

I made an applesauce cake for his party, and it will not be winning me any "Mother of the Year" awards. First off, it didn't rise - flat as a pancake. Second, for a few minutes (until Noni brilliantly suggested using jelly beans), it was going to read "Happy 4th Birthday Eth" because I ran out of frosting.

Oh well, the birthday boy knew no differently and the guests ate it all up anyway.

Waiting in anticipation

As I have written about before, Ethan adores all of his grandparents, but grandfathers definitely have a special place in the hearts of little boys. The night ended with dueling stories from the grandfathers - a perfect end to the celebration.

Ethan really got into his birthday this year, relishing all the attention (and presents), and proud as a peacock about his now four-year-old status. While we aren't that thrilled with his new obsession with gifts (let's just say the first words out of his mouth on Tuesday morning were "I am four. Are my friends going to bring me presents today?"), it was fun celebrating our little man and all that he has become in these four years. And to see this usually kind-of-shy guy basking in the spotlight was neat too. When I tucked him in last night, I asked him if he had had a good birthday. His reply: "Yes, next year I want the same exact thing." I guess that's success!