cruz's 4th birthday

My little boy turned 4 years old on January 8th (I realize this was one month ago, please excuse the lateness of this post!)  I keep looking at him and wondering how in the world he is already 4 years old.  He has grown up so much this past year.  I know that I always say that, but the change from 3 to 4 is crazy.  He is a little boy, and doesn't have the baby features anymore.

I can't imagine life without this little guy.  He changed our world 4 years ago.  He brings us so much joy.  I've learned so much from my little boy.  I absolutely love his enthusiasm for life and his adventurous spirit.

We had great fun celebrating Cruz.  He woke up with streamers on his door and then he got to open his present from Mommy and Daddy before going to preschool.  

We got him an electric race track.  Tyler had set it up downstairs the night before, so we just wrapped up the box and then showed him the track downstairs.  The boys had great fun playing for a little bit before we raced off for preschool. 

After preschool (we took snacks - he asked for goldfish and cheese sticks!) we went to Chick-fil-A with some of his buddies.  Daddy came and joined us, too!  It was a fun little lunch.  He's got some great little friends. :)

Later that night...putting together his very first lego set.  They sat at the table and worked on this for like 45 minutes...which is impressive, because he hardly ever sits still. :)  He loved it!

And then on Friday night we had a birthday party at our house with family and some close friends.  Cruz asked for a Lightening McQueen party, so that's what he got!  We had pulled pork, artichoke dip, creamy corn and macaroni casserole, a delicious salad that my Mom brought, and finger jello that my sister brought.  It was a great night celebrating our little 4 year old.  I so wanted him to have a FUN evening, and it sure seems like he did.  :)  He loves to play with his cousins/friends...he is always asking where we're going or who's coming over.

Aunt Sara and Cousin Jake

He gave hugs after each gift.  He did so well opening the gifts and his excitement over each gift was so cute! 

More legos!!  So excited!

He was asking for a Lightening McQueen cake ALL.WEEK.LONG.  We thought we better get him what he asked for. :)  Here he is...so excited!!

Daddy did good.  Daddy has become the cake carver/decorator in our family.  We're getting a system down...we weren't up until 2am the night before this year!

Baby girl with her "Auntie" Jill.