Almost 4

We have a tendency to over-celebrate and with this year being the year of big 4's and 40's for all 3 of us - Rye's birthday started early. Friday we had an all-day cake baking and decorating frenzy. Rye mixed, baked and of-course sweetly decorated his rainbow cake for family sampling pre-party.





We went out for dinner Friday night. No more cooking or baking! When we got home Grandma and Pop-Pop were here and then we got another knock on the door. The balloon fairy! She came and left on fairy dust and wings. We even looked out the window - no car.






The all-nighter birthday cake. A releasing of trapped creativity and over-the-top domesticity. Fun, but likely not to be repeated.




Saturday, the birthday bash at the bouncing gym. Let the wild rumpus begin! Can you find Rye in the foam pit?





And up goes the parachute. I never get tired of this, no matter how young or old you are. It's just awesome!




Mac-and-cheese with bud Oscar. Life couldn't be finer.






Yes, Rye finally earned his excavator. A few days pre-birthday. It was an amazing, sunny, warm day that called forth digging and earth-building. If he can stay away from the nay-nays, it's his for keeps. We'll see...



Tomorrow Valentine's Day and then we head to Florida on Tuesday. A jet plane ride for the true birthday and many more mind-blowing surprises. Let the good times roll!




Here are some photos of our little guy, baby Rye, over time...our lives would never be the same, our hearts, never so wide open.








3rd Birthday





2ish





Not 2, with cousins Josie and Mae



Sleepy-headed, milk coma...

Headed out to California - 2 1/2

Second birthday, wicked sick that day and entire winter.

A few days after 2nd birthday; feeling much better.

1 1/2 at Hunting Island

First Birthday

Couple months... who knows? We were so sleep-deprived.

Nine months, around Christmas time.

About 2 months new.