four years old...

four year old birthday.  a pirate party.

lining up for "pin the eye patch on the pirate..."

decor....

sweet james.  in lieu of a bandana... a russian navy hat, bought in vladivostock

what do you do when your pirate BEACH party is rained out.  in hawaii?

turn your garage into a party... and make a cheesy looking pirate and cut out some eye patches!

sweet girl!

trying to hit the (i just bought it at target cause our beach party turned into a plan b party in the garage) pinata!

girl hitting it!

mmm...

blowing out the candles!

sweet pirate!

all the kids... filling their bags!

the pirates!!!  arghhhh

highlight for them?  the eye patch and pirate map (i printed out a map and gave stickers in their "goodie bag".)  they spent so long entertaining themselves with a "pirate hunt"!

opening presents!

the loot!

wait!!!

buddies!

sweet baby james!

gosh.  this kid.  gets me.  EVERY. BLESSED. TIME!  i love his eyes.  don't tell the others!  

brothers!

buddies!!!

we had a great birthday party.  we planned to have it at the beach.  because we live in hawaii.  why wouldn't that work.  so, i let the guest list get big!  cause we were going to be at the beach!

and, it rained.  like in noah's day.  it rained, and rained, and didn't stop.  on the way to church, i figured we would see how it looked coming back over the mountains.  it didn't look promising.  i talked to our meteorologist neighbor.  he told me it didn't look promising.  

so, i ran to target and got a pinata while everyone else picked up the house and garage.  and said neighbor's wife borrowed a canopy from another friend.  and we set up shop outside.  

the party was a huge hit.  the kids had a blast.  and it reminded me of all the parties my mom had growing up.  i can't remember a big, outside party she had planned that it DIDN'T rain!  but they were always the best.  and james felt loved.  his best buddies were there.  and we had fun!  it was really fun to watch them.  and to be reminded that they didn't need big bounce houses or beaches or entertainment to entertain themselves.  

and it was good for me.  to feel so loved by friends who offered to help when the day turned.  and to have such great help here!  (wonderful in laws and hubby)  and to get to be around such good friends all afternoon.  cause let's face it... sometimes the birthday parties are a little about the parents, too! 

four years.  

james.

you are such a joy in my life.  you are a middle child, and you.  want.  attention.!!!

you fiercely love your lovey puppy.  and super heroes.  and your sister.

i think you love your brother, too!

oh, and veggie tales.

and, i love that you still love to hug and kiss me.  a lot!

you are a clown.  and serious.  and smart.  

i am so excited to see what you will do in life!!  it's going to be good.  and big!  

you are hesitant at some things.  like the water.  you would only go in ankle deep, where others jumped right in.  but you eventually warmed up to it.  and are becoming a great swimmer.

i love that you do things at your own pace.  and not anyone elses'.  don't ever lose that!

i am proud of you.  so proud!