William George Turns Four!

Back on the 11th, we officially celebrated William George's fourth birthday in the very special company of cousins Reagan and Harper. Uncle Bill had supplied doughnuts as a special birthday breakfast treat, and soon everyone was running around with sugar coursing through their veins. Only little Harper had the good sense to decline a doughnut.

After breakfast, Skip, Lori and David took four of the five monkeys to the splash pad, while I ran birthday errands. Harper stayed home to nap with Bill and Kathy. Those naps really agree with her because she always has the happiest disposition and the most beatific smiles.

The bounce house arrived while the monkeys were still at the splash pad. Between splashing and bouncing around, William George took a nap in order to have a "second wind" and be ready for his party.

While the children were recharging, these two crazies took control of revamping and re-engineering the grill to obtain MAXIMUM heat. Eventually, they had the thermometer reaching 1000 degrees, which just barely ample for Bill's specially concocted wings. If a little heat is good, MAXIMUM HEAT is better.

Poppa and Gran

Reagan and Lori

Riley

Harper and Riley

In addition to grilling, Bill was also the undisputed leader on bounce house activities. How the bounce house festivities escaped being photographed is beyond me, but I don't have a single photo of the shenanigans. Naturally, a birthday party at the Lindsey house would not be completed without the bounce house tipping over so when one of the support pillars folded, causing the house to topple, we were not at all surprised to hear the children's shrieks and screams. Now, NO ONE WAS HURT, of course, but there was complete hysteria and pandemonium for a few minutes.

After gnoshing on wings and burgers, it was time for singing and cake. William George continues to love the birthday song, and he dove into his cake like a champ.

"Happy birthday to you..."

As Lauren's red face indicates, she was a bounce house leader as well, and she hopped right back into the action after cake and presents.

Lauren and Riley

Reagan and Harper

The loot was too much, and many thanks to everyone for their generosity.

True to their word, the bounce house was picked up at 7:30pm, and the monkeys were very sad to see it go. Luckily, the playset provided a little more entertainment.

On Sunday, the 12th, we had some extra play time with Reagan and Harper. George and Reagan explored the neighborhood via bike carrier, and took a spin in the Jeeps.

William George and Reagan

After lunch, it was time for a very sad departure. Gracie normally cries at the end of visits, but she and Lauren both were tearfully hugging their cousins at the end of this really special visit. We REALLY missed them for the rest of the afternoon, and the trio were disgusted by how quiet our house seemed without the extra voices.

Harper, Reagan and David

William George got to pick what we had for dinner that night, and we celebrated by having a piece of cake.

As much as he loves any version of the birthday song, Gracie burst into tears after we sang, saying she liked it much better "last night" when ALL of the voices were singing. We told her that's what makes family so special... those loud voices that celebrate with you through the years.

William George made a wish...

...and blew out his candle.

William George, happy 4th birthday. We, like you, had a blast celebrating, and we thank you for bringing so much joy to our family on your birthday and every day.

PS: George's birth story; his first birthday; his second birthday; and his third birthday.