Michael Turns 4!

Michael Is Four...

Our little boy isn't so little anymore. On Nov. 24, our Michael James turned four years old. Can you believe it?! We sure can't.

It's been an amazing four years and we are so very blessed to have him in our lives. He makes us smile, laugh, cry tears of joy and makes our hearts skip a beat with his sensitivity, kind words and funny antics. Here's to another year of making memories - let the next birthday come at a turtle's pace...

His birthday began with a surprise visit from his Poppa who picked him up from school and took him to Wendy's (his favorite these days), on a bike ride, to the park and to the local pool - to name a few fun activities. Then, on the night of his birthday, we took him to Chuck E Cheese for his first time (he had seen commercials and had been begging to go for a while). To say he loved it would be an understatement, and honestly, David and I really enjoyed it too - we both celebrated our birthday's there (back when it was Showbiz) when we were kids too.

Here are some pics from his Chuck E Cheese experience:

Michael was SO excited to meet Chuck E Cheese himself! Even got to high-five him!

He played nearly every game in the place...

But always has a special place in his heart for cars and car games... sound familiar? (he is definitely his daddy's boy)

And David had some fun too.

Even Hailey got-in on the fun!

With more than 200 tickets won, Michael had some decisions to make. Let's just say 20 minutes later, he was happy with the results and the folks lining-up behind us were happy he finally made his selections.

Excited about his winnings! (he took one lick of that giant, 150 ticket lollipop and promptly threw it away. Oh well...)

Then it was home for cake and presents:

The cake was an Incredible Hulk cake as requested.

He blew out all the candles with one big blow!

He must have been a good boy...

But first, let us take a selfie :-)

In case you didn't know, Michael is a BIG fan of The Avengers so that seemed to be the theme for all of his parties and presents. Here he is after first opening his Hulk hands.

Seriously, so cute.

He got the matching mask and has been having so much fun dressing-up as The Hulk.

He is also a fan of building things so Legos it is.

Oh and Star Wars, LOVES Star Wars.

And to top the evening off, a new big boy BMX bike.

Michael also had his birthday party with friends on Nov. 28. He had 11 of his closest friends join him at Monkey Bizness - where he held his third birthday party too - and had an absolute blast! The theme... Avengers and Michael was Captain America.

As his party was Avengers themed, he wore the Captain America mask for almost his whole party. He also wanted to ensure all the girls had princess crowns to wear and we obliged. He is very sweet and thoughtful of his friends and everyone for that matter.

Michael and his friends LOVED the big slide...

Mr. Daredevil even took his first plunge head-first. No fear. 

Michael and Addison LOVED the bouncy house. Heck, what kid doesn't?!

Even Auntie 'Em and...

Auggie got-in on the fun!

With messy hair and all, it was time for Chick-Fil-A nuggets, fries, fruit and cupcakes.

And PRESENTS!

A big hug to his buddy Jacob.

Hailey had fun with Auntie 'Em too.

Post-party all "Avengered-Out"

Christmas Comes Early

With Mom in town, we took advantage of her time and visited the beautiful light display at Hudson Gardens, and while we were there, the kids got to visit Santa! It was a chilly evening, but full of wonderful memories.

Excited because he's about to meet Santa!

Mommy's baby boy, forever and ever - whether he likes it or not...

Our sweet family. I am one lucky gal.

Angelic, isn't she?

Michael found Santa's sleigh!

Hailey's first time visiting Santa...

We had little girl all bundled up for the event.

It was cold but well worth it.

David and I with Auntie 'Em.

Little boy and Auggie hand-in-hand.

Those big lighted bulbs were our favorite.

Auggie and Auntie 'Em having some fun with the wreath display.

Michael and several of his friends also had an opportunity to get-together and have an ornament exchange! Michael had a very fun time with his friends and ended-up with a Jake and the Neverland Pirates ornament. Very fitting as he is also a fan of Jake...

 

Lots of kiddos/families came which meant lots of wrapping paper to clean-up :-)

 



Very proud of his Jake ornament.

Next-up: Snow skiing Keystone this Saturday and off to Texas to see family for Christmas next weekend! Can't wait to see everyone, introduce David's family to Hailey and watch the joy of the holidays in my children's eyes.

More to come from Estes Family Corner soon! Love and miss you all!