Andrew is Four

 

 Special breakfast: egg white man holding a sausage and apple balloon

 Freeze!

Thrilled with the Safari House he wanted for Christmas.

 Dinner request:  Lobster

Trying out his new roller skates.

 

 Party time!

Andrew wanted a Justice League themed birthday party.  I wanted to hire entertainment (gymnastics bus, clown, exotic animal trainer, magician, petting zoo) but he shot down every idea.  He said, "I just want to play with my friends."

That is what we did.  We set up his favorite toys in every room of the house and the little boys went wild.

Andrew was wrestling in the bounce house.

 

After cake we played three games.  Everyone listened and played so nicely.

 

 The pinata was a favorite.

Elizabeth helping with the bean bag toss.

 Time for presents

After the party Elizabeth and Michael hit the desserts while Andrew played with his new toys.

 

 

 

Theme drink:  Apple cider with a punch

Andrew insisted that we have this giant tub of cheese balls for the party.  He has yet to eat a single one.

 

Elizabeth did such a good job helping me to decorate the Superman cake.  Andrew's face when he saw it was worth all the effort.

 

 Merry Christmas!

Michel created quite a plate for Santa this year.

 Elizabeth received a My American Girl.  Instead of a historical character Santa matched Elizabeth's features to a doll. 

Michael was thrilled to receive (another) bounce house.  When we visited Santa he told him that he wants a bounce house that we can keep inside.  I told Santa that we already had a big one that we use outside.  Michael could not believe that Santa listened and fit it on his sleigh.

 

Andrew asked for a monogrammed beanbag, like his friend has.  Now we know that it will be used for wrestling.

Everyone took turns opening presents, and they didn't rush through the stack of gifts in five minutes.

My mother's annual Christmas picture.

Each child received an iPad mini from their paternal grandparents.  It was a big hit, especially with the older two.  Here they are enjoying family time, I mean screen time.

 

Christmas Eve Elizabeth helped to make samosas.

 Earlier this month

 

Crazy Hair Day at school

Decorating a gingerbread house with the second grade class.

 

 At the Children's Museum holiday event Andrew was tired and decided he needed to be rescued from the limb bender.  I had to climb very high up to reach him. 

 In the preschool nativity program Andrew portrayed a camel.  He even had a speaking part.  He talked about carrying the wise men to see Baby Jesus in Bethlehem.  

 Singing Away in a Manger

During intermission the children removed their costumes.  Each class took center stage for a special Christmas song.

 I was so proud of how well Andrew did on stage.

Elizabeth and I enjoyed The Nutcracker ballet.

 Petting a real reindeer.

Elizabeth said, "I don't know if I'm more excited for you to come in for my class party or to give my friends their Rainbow Loom bracelets."

 

St. Nicholas visited and left candy in our shoes.