4

Skyler turned 4 on July 30th.  We had a combined celebration for Ella and Skyler's birthdays with my parents.  So the first few pictures are from Ella's birthday.  Skyler held all the presents over his head after he unwrapped them and it reminded me so much of my Grandpa because he would do that, too, even with his Alzheimer's.  I think it was a Samoan thing?

 

 

 He loved his books from Grandmum and Pop Pop.  He was even nice enough to share them with Lily that night.

Oh the Plasma Car.  I'm going to have to write up a whole post about that probably.  It has been a HUGE hit.

 

Today was Skyler's birthday party.  Check out those light up LEGO'S.  Umm... awesome!

 

 

 

After all the presents were opened, the kids all went on a treasure hunt to find their party favors.  It shouldn't have been a surprise that Skyler ended up in tears.  Oh Skyler. 

 

They found the "treasure" under the deck.  Big water guns for everybody!

 

The kids sort of squirted around a little bit.  Or cried a little bit if you're Skyler.  *sigh*  I love that kid.  I just don't love his constant screaming tears.  One day he'll get past it.  One day.

 

But then Ben distracted them and got them to attack him which they all enjoyed.  Poor little Phoenix.  He should be a stunt man when he grows up. 

 

And for the third year in a row Skyler chose donuts as his birthday treat.  I love living in an area that has so many Krispy Kremes.

 

Things I love about Skyler right now:

• That he actually wants to participate in family scripture study and prayers now that we do them on Mommy and Daddy's bed.  He went through an extreme rebellious stage with this for quite a few months, and after praying and praying and praying, we somehow came up with the whole change of location thing and it has been a hit ever since. 
• He adores his sisters.  He says goodnight to Ella for every nap and gets depressed when he has to say goodnight to Lily at night.  He watches in the hallway as I close her door and it sinks in all over that they don't share a room anymore.  It's slightly depressing yet sweet.  Today at his party, some of our friends were joking about taking Ella home to stay with them and Skyler got genuinely upset about it.  Ha!  It was sweet.
• He's a little smarty-pants.  Since he and Lily are so close in age, I work with them on the same things at the same time.  So he's almost at Lily's level when it comes to academics.
• His mind works just like Ben's.  He likes to build and create whereas Lily prefers drawing and pretending. 
• Right when you're not expecting it, Skyler will come up behind you and give you the biggest hug and kiss ever.
• He is still obsessed with all things tiny and cute.  I think he would die of happiness if I ever took him to a pet store to actually choose a pet.  He is Mia's favorite kid.  She trusts him more than the girls.
• He is beyond thrilled that Thad will be arriving in a month and a half.  Skyler loves to tell people (especially strangers) all about his yet-to-be-born little brother.  Of course he pronounces his name "Fad."

We love our Little Handsome and always will.  Happy 4th birthday Skyler!