Birthday Weekend

This past weekend we got to celebrate Zach. I can't even believe that he's been around for 4 years. We love him and would miss all of those nights that he comes and creeps into our bed at around 3:00 a.m!

Zach requested a Batman themed party since he's become the superhero of choice this year. After the party Spenser declared it "our best party yet." I think that we were a little more organized than usual so there wasn't as much running around on the day. We decided to stay up until all the prep was done last night - yes, cutting Batman capes at 1:00 a.m. when you know you have a baby who is going to wake up pretty soon after is fun!

Waiting for the guests to arrive. Thomas aka Robin welcomed the guests to the Batman Training Academy. He and his very creative mind were actually a huge help to us.

Batman cupcakes

Sadly, Amazon let me down for the first time ever. The bigger rings that I ordered for the cupcakes never came in time, but no one seemed to mind when they were eating them.

Zach, Olivia, and Sadie ready for training

The kids used the batarangs to knock over the villains.

Batman Zach taking it very seriously

Everyone was really patient as they waited for their turn

Next we moved on to the "Batman Training Course." The kids had to 

rescue teddy and defeat the villains to make their way out safely.

Getting a lay of the land

Spenser explaining "The Batcave" where the kids

had to retrieve a glow stick.

Zach got a little sad because he wanted to help out in the Batcave and Spenser had told him "no" since he was doing the whole thing for everyone! We got the situation resolved with a little chat!

We finally went into the garage to defeat the villains with silly string. Thomas and I held pictures of Mr Freeze, Joker, Penguin, and Cat Woman for them to shoot at. They thought that it was pretty fun.

I got tired of being shot at by everyone and with Sadie's

help I managed to get my own back (mainly on Thomas and Connor!)

Zach had another moment when he decided that he 

wanted to head straight onto the cake and skip pizza. 

Singing "Happy Birthday"

Opening presents

Thanks to all the party guests!

Silly poses

Zach got to go to church the morning of his actual birthday. For a boy like Zach that wasn't his favorite thing to do, but luckily he didn't even know it was his birthday and we kind of didn't mention it before we left since we didn't have time to open presents before we left.

He got to open presents when we got home

There were lots of Batman toys

We skyped with Grandma and Grandpa and the Hoopes people

Zach loved showing them what he got

The kids always get to request their favorite meal for dinner. Zach wanted to go to Applebees, but we had to remind him about the Sunday thing. Instead he settled for some macaroni and cheese.

Since we had cupcakes yesterday and Zach only eats the frosting anyway we did brownie sundaes instead.

He got a little upset that the candle was falling

Crisis averted

Brownie enjoyment

Zach sure is the headstrong little guy that he's always been, but there is also a very sweet and loving side to him. He comes up to me numerous times throughout the day and asks to give me a kiss, gives me a hug, and tells me that he loves me. He is kind to his little brother and is always ready to step up and defend Olivia and Thomas even if the kid he's defending them against is bigger than him. He can be challenging, but we sure do love him!

As we were getting ready for bed I decided to snap a few pictures of Mr. Sam. He is a super good baby. We really couldn't have asked for any better. He cries when he wants to eat and is happy to sleep the day away. I've worried that he sleeps too much, but I think that our other babies just may not have slept enough so we don't know what to do with a baby who actually sleeps! The only challenge with Sam is how much he likes to be held - but I guess that are worse things than getting to snuggle my sweet smelling little man.