Collin is 4!

Collin turned 4 on Sept 4th. This year for his birthday party theme he wanted "Jake and the Neverland Pirates." This is his favorite show these days. When he watches it he puts on his black cowboy boots (which he calls his pirate boots) and dances along to the intro song. Riley even stomps her feet when she hears the theme song coming on. It's too cute! We had a party for him on a Friday evening with hopes that it wouldn't be too hot. It was okay, but still a little warm. This has been the hottest summer on record in a very long time and with very little (almost none) rain, it is not pleasant outside. We had the same girl that did Riley's cake do Collin's. It was awesome! It was a very elaborate pirate ship. Unfortunately, it was so hot outside that the cake started to melt! Yes, melt! I was so sad to see it just melting away...it even started before I had a chance to get any good pictures of it. We played pirate games. One game was pirate bingo, I think the kids had a fun time playing that. The winners got to pick from the "team treasure chest". In that chest we had temporary tattoos, fruit snacks and silly bands. They used gold doubloons as markers for the bingo game. Before they left they had to "walk the plank", which was a piece of wood we had going across a blue tarp (water). They had to pretend the gators were in the water and walk all the way across without falling in. It was pretty cute too! So, I forgot to grab candles...one of the most important things in a birthday party, ha. Eric ran to get some for me. For his gift this year his Daddy decided that he needed a 4 wheeler. So, he got one and Eric got one too (so that he could ride with him, of course). We had gotten it a few nights before C's party and Eric would go out every night and start it up after Collin had gone to bed. He was so excited to give it to him. The night before the party we stayed up late putting the Monster stickers on it and cleaning it all up. Apparently, that night we left the battery turned on (after he had charged it) and when we got to the party it wouldn't start! Eric was so disappointed and messed with it for what seemed like forever during the party. I told him it was okay and that we didn't have to give it to him at the party, but he ended up rolling it up there for him to see. He loved it! After the party Eric and I were exhausted. We decided that parties are so much work! Eric asked Collin how is party was and he said, "My party was AWESOME!" That is all we needed to hear, that made it all worth it.
The next day we went to the lake. Collin got some gear from his gran and big dog. He was pumped! He got on his helmet, jersey, riding pants, gloves and some new shoes from Uncle Cheeto and was ready to go for a ride. After charging the 4 wheeler it was ready to go. Eric took C out by himself to show him how it worked and just worked with him for awhile to get him used to it. He did great! He really listens and wants to do the right thing. He gets focused and it's amazing that at the age of 4 he can do the things he can do. He didn't go too fast, he would give it a little gas and then let go, so it would slow down. We plan to just take it very slow so that he learns and doesn't get hurt. Eric was going to go riding with him, and well, if you see the picture you can tell it's not a good idea. Collin kept saying, "Daddy, you are too heavy." Either Collin or Eric hit the gas and with Eric's weight on the back combined with hitting the gas, the 4 wheeler flipped backwards. Eric fell first of course and then tried to keep C from hitting the ground too hard. It worked and the 4 wheeler didn't fall on them. I was trying to take pictures and everything, but I wish I had gotten it on film! Collin had dirt all in his helmet and on his face, but was fine. Eric was fine other than his knees were skinned. Collin got up and wanted to ride again. I was shocked that it didn't scare him. It was a great lesson though, I told him that is why we always, always, always wear a helmet. He is really funny about stuff like that though, he won't even go out there without all of his gear! I'm so glad. Overall, he had a fantastic birthday! He is so blessed with awesome friends and family. Here are a few pics from his birthday weekend: