A Lego Party

We celebrated Ryker's 4th Birthday with a Lego party today. He really, really loves building with Legos, so this was a perfect fit. Myles and Sydney have never had a big interest in Legos, so I didn't really get the obsession until Ryker came along. I love having a kid who loves Legos! Not only are they so fun, but they are also a great creative outlet for our boy.

We had a few little buddies come over for the celebration, played some games, ate lunch, broke a piñata, enjoyed a Lego cake, and opened presents. This was Ryker's first real birthday party with friends, a theme, games, etc, and he wasn't actually sure what to think. He's been talking about his birthday and having a party with much anticipation since Myles and Sydney both had theirs in July. He's been super excited, but after the party started, the attention, high energy, and *controlled* chaos proved to be a bit too much, and he needed a couple moments alone to regroup...which of course led my parents to recall my 3rd birthday party when I took all of my presents up to my room and locked the door - while my guests were still there! Overall, Ryker had a great time and I know he will talk about this party for a long time.

Pin the head on Lego man.

Lego/spoon relay race.

Piñata

Silly Gilbert kiddos.

Food and presents.

A few decorations (I didn't get a picture of the utensil and napkin holders that Gilby made out of Legos. They were so neat!)

Gilby and I had fun putting the details together to add some personal touches to the simple party we had planned (there are so many easy and fun decorations to make with Legos!). Gilby spent a long time getting the Lego cake just right, which was worth it when multiple times Ryker said, "I love my Lego cake." It was a great day celebrating our precious Ryker.

Ryker turns 4!

Dear Ryker,

Happy 4th Birthday, Baby Boy! I cannot believe that my littlest boy is FOUR-years-old already! You are such a joy to our family and keep us all laughing (and sometimes pulling our hair out!).

As a typical 4-year-old, you are constantly learning, figuring things out, and bridging the gap between wanting to be a big kid and still being our littlest boy; it’s been fascinating to watch you grow. Although you are the youngest of three, you are your own little person different than your siblings, and I find our relationship growing me, and sometimes stretching and challenging me as a parent. You give great big hugs, and whenever I leave the house, you say, “I love you soooooo much, Mom.”

Things I love about you: I love your smile. I love your hugs. I love the teeny freckles on your nose. I love your sense of humor. I love how you call us "Mama" and "Dada." I love your soft cheeks. I love your morning cuddles. I love how absolute you are in knowing what you want. I love your dimples. I love your creativity. I love having conversations with you. I love your questioning nature. I love being with you one-on-one. I love that you are a homebody (I am too!). I love your little run. I love how much you want to spend time with me. I love your love and admiration for your daddy (you are a Daddy’s boy). I love you!

Things you love: You love dinosaurs, Legos, rocks and sticks, your siblings, being physical and active, exploring, riding your scooter, reading books, and once in a while still cuddling with your mom. You play really well alone, and have an active imagination, but one of your love languages is time, and you cherish when we are able to spend time with you one-on-one, whether it be something simple like building a Lego house, or something bigger like going to the Museum of Nature and Science (you are always asking to go there!).

Things you don’t like: You don’t like eating dinner (breakfast and lunch seem to be fine though!), wearing pants, putting on jackets, brushing your teeth…and on and on. Really, you just like to have some control over whatever we’re asking of you, but you're not quite sure how to manage that independence, and the learning can sometimes look like a big, dramatic, emotional scene. (We’re working on deep breaths and staying in control!)

This is your grumpy face. Grrrr.  

You’re in preschool two mornings a week starting this past fall, seem to really like it, and your teachers say they love having you in class. Although you tell us you play with the teachers and never the kids, they say that you are getting along with the kids really well – you stinker. Although, your best friends are still your brother and sister and you love spending time with them. You three are often playing house, family, hotel, or something similar. It usually involves packing bags, and moving pillows, blankets and toys all around the house. Sometimes you buddy up with Sydney, other times with Myles, and often with both.

We are proud of you, all love you so much, and hope for the best next year for you!

Love, Mama