Grant's Fourth Birthday

Grant turned 4 on May 24, 2010. He had his first friend birthday party this year. When I asked him what he wanted to do, he told me right away that he wanted to have a squirt gun party so that is what we did. I took him to Walmart to pick out birthday supplies. He picked Cars and Toy Story invites, seen below, a How To Train Your Dragon Happy Birthday banner and Spiderman plates and cups. We also bought several 4 packs of waterguns for the kids. His birthday was on May 21, 2010 at 4:30 PM. Grant's best friend, Ava Henrie, has her birthday the day after Grant's birthday. Her party was at noon on May 21. She had her party at the zoo. I took Grant to the party but he had a huge meltdown a refused to stay because I couldn't stay with him.

The party was a great success. It was only 1-1/2 hours and in that time the kids had their fill of waterguns, present opening and playing with and cake. Grant had so much fun and got so many fun toys from his friends.

(Taeya Ashcroft - when Grant looks at this picture he always says, "Look how cute her smile is.")

(Brantsen Schuenman and Olivia Solorzano)

(Brantsent Schuenman and Luke Raber - friends from Sunbeams and preschool)

(The present aftermath)

(The birthday party gang - Grant, Aiden Solorzano, Mason Henrie, Taeya Ashcroft, Ava Henrie, Olivia Solorzano, Luke Raber and Brantsen Schuenman)

(Waiting for candles and cake - Grant, Mason Henrie, Aiden Solorzano and Taeya Ashcroft)

(Grant with his birthdaycake - he got to pick his cake and chose chocolate cake with chocolate frosting and sprinkles. He lvoed his "4" candle." I made one pan of cupcakes and an 8x8 cake. Some kids wanted cake and others cupcakes so it worked out)

(Grant and Taeya Ashcroft)

(Cole enjoying cake right along with the big kids)

(Ava Henrie, Luke Raber and Cole waiting for cake)

As a family, we celebrated Grant's birthday on his actual birthday. Oma, Shelli, David and Brad all came up for the blessed day. It was fun. We had cake and ice cream, a delicious dinner and lots of fun opening presents. It was so nice so much of my family could make it up.

(Grant with his new lego type blocks from Oma - he loves these things)

(Grant with his new Toy Story movies from Grandma Mellen - she gave hime both movies)

(Grant with his new giant Nerf gun from Aunts Kitty and Shelli - he was beyond excited with this gift)

Grant's big birthday present was a new two-wheel bicycle with training wheels and a horn. Given its size, we covered it with a quilt so he could at least open it somewhat. He was really excited. It didn't take him very long to figure out how to ride it. Now he rides all over the driveways with his bike. Ava also got a new pink Barbie bike for her birthday so she brings her bike over and they ride around and around together.

(Grant "opening" his new bike)

(Grant testing out his new bike - don't worry he wears a helment, this was just the initial test ride and the other day he wasn't wearing his helmet and he came in crying that he fell and hurt his head. All I could do was shake my head and point out the reason for the helmet wearing rule.)

Chad and I had a big dispute over cakes. I hate store bought cakes and grew up having only homemade cakes. Chad was the opposite. He really wanted to buy a big nasty icing covered cake for Grant's birthday. Grant really wanted his chocolate cake with sprinkles for his party so I compromised and let Chad buy a cake for Grant's family party. He went to Walmart and found the monstrosity below - a Shrek cake. Grant thought it was so cool. The frosting had so much green food coloring in it that after only part of a piece of cake people's lips, tongues and faces were stained green.

(Grant blowing out his candles)

(Cole shoveling in the gross green cake - he was green for days after that and so was his poop)

All in all, Grant's 4th birthday was great fun. I have held off until this year with friends parties and I'm glad. Before now, he wouldn't have enjoyed it like he did this year. He really had a great time, has some great friends and received some fantastic presents. It will be hard to top this next year.

Happy Birthday Grant!!!! We love you!!!