Four, really??

Jack turned 4 today.  I keep thinking, "really, how can he be 4 already?"  We have had so much fun with his birthday this year.  It's really been more of a birthday week than just a today celebration.  This year he has really understood more about what's going on.  He's been excited, but I think at some points I was more excited than him.  Today involved starting out with a special donut breakfast, cupcakes for his school friends, a double decker chocolate cake with sprinkles and an evening picked by Jack.  I let him choose what we were having for dinner this week.  The first night was spaghetti.  The following night Jack was a bit more complex.  His request: a whole chicken to eat off the bone, applesauce, mac n cheese, and milk.  Interested, but he ate it.  He doesn't usually eat it off the bone, but hey, if the boy will eat, let him!  Then tonight, what did this 4 year old request?  I was shocked when he confidently said he wanted to go to Chucke Cheese for his birthday.  He had a blast.  Caroline really enjoyed it too.  What a fun week it's been.  He's also pretty pumped for this weekend when he has his party.  I oh so much love this little (but getting so big) boy! 



My favorite first day picture of Jack



Air Hockey at Chuckecheese

Caroline getting in on the fun

Playing the games

This was the picture I got before we left.  He had a great time!

Jack chose devil food with chocolate icing.  Is this my child with all the chocolate?

Gosh, he's getting so big!

He was not hesitant about the candles at all!

Dig in!

And of course, Caroline wasn't so sure about the dirty hands!

Diva

Caroline and I got the chance to venture to East TN to visit with Grammy, Grandpa, Gigi, and Uncle Mark after the events in Portland this past week.  Caroline thoroughly enjoyed some one on one time with Grammy and Grandpa.  Here she is enjoying one of the surprises they had for her...necklaces!  She also had a ball having her first tea party!  I think my favorite thing about this is the unprovoked pose she threw out there as Grammy snapped this photo.

Grandad Bowman

This past week was a difficult one for the Bowman family.  Grandad Bowman passed away on Monday, September 6.  Just look at the picture and you can see what a sweet, sweet man he was.  I absolutely love this picture as it really captures his playful spirit.  I loved watching Grandad give Tommy a hard time about his "short britches", his shaved head, or his facial hair.  Grandad was such a strong influence in Tommy's life.  Grandad always welcomed me and made me feel like a part of the family.  And oh how he loved his great grandchildren.  Jack enjoyed going to his house and seeing the big dogs and playing with some of Tommy's old toys.  I think Jack also knew that he was bound to get some kind of sweet snack at his house!  We will miss him so much but are rejoicing that he is enjoying his Heavenly home now.  More than the family man, Grandad was a strong Christian man.  What a strong testimony he left.  It was special to hear all the kind words people said about him during his ceremony.  Grandad, we love you!

Labor Day

The city of Florence has fun parades.  We decided to go yesterday for the Labor Day parade.  The kids have so much fun waving and collecting goodies.  Caroline REALLY got into it this time.  Here are some fun pictures from it.  It's hard to believe how big these two are getting.  I look at these photos of Caroline and her chubby little cheeks are missing and she's really thinning down.  Where is that little baby look??  And Jack, he's getting so tall!  So hard to believe he'll be 4 this year..wait, in a few weeks!  By the way, family who might be looking for ideas...he's a good 3T right now in clothing.  And toys, well, the boy has a bunch!  But if you inisist, he really would be happy with just about anything from Toys R Us.  He's still loving dinosaurs, trucks, ambulances, garbage trucks, balls, etc, etc.  There's always the college account...I know, no fun.

Getting so big!

I see Tommy all over this picture.

Jack's words, "Oh wow...3 ambulances!!" and trying to show us all of them.

So cool

Caroline really enjoyed the parade.  So much she tried to join it!  This girl is fast!

Someone was passing out these head pieces.  We got a quick picture with Caroline.

Jack wore it a bit more willingly.  More candy!

So hard to get a good pictures of both of them!