Happy Birthday Super A!

  

I am absolutely amazed that this little ball of energy is 4 years old. Some days it is because time has flown by so fast and other days it is because he talks like he is 44 years old. Alden has always been one to keep us on our toes. Alden has had his birthday party early (because of Memorial Day Weekend), and in his mind, he was already 4. His favorite way to start a question is with, "When I was little, did I...?" Oh, my sweet boy, you are still a very little man, but I so admire how big you are in your own eyes. The funny thing about Alden at four are all of his quirks.  Here are a few I would like to remember:
   -Your favorite color is green.
   -You love dinosaurs, superheros (Spiderman in particular), and sharks.
   -You try to pretend you don't like "baby shows" on T.V., but you get drawn into Blue's Clues and Thomas the Train every time. If you get to chose, you are watching Wild Kratts or The Backyardigans these days.
   -You must wear pajamas to bed, even for nap time, and they absolutely have to have long sleeves. There is no sleep unless the pajamas meet all the requirements. It does also absolutely matter what kind of pattern or character is on the fabric.
   -Mommy can no longer make your clothes. You require t-shirts with "cool" things on them like superheros, sharks, dragons, or dinosaurs. Church is particularly interesting because we aren't going to wear any of them. Telling you that the Polo pony is a knight does not work.  There can be NO BUTTONS on your shorts or pants or you will cry. Usually, we can get you to wear whatever we need you to, but not without a battle of will.
   -There are certain sippy cups that belong to you (dinosaurs and spiderman) and certain cups that belong to Spencer. Now, you have no problem stealing Mommy's drink whenever you want it, but freak out if Spencer gets your cup. If all of his cups are in the washer, no, he may not borrow yours. Germs only come from little brothers.
   -Like your mother, you like organization and routine. We may not vary from the routine whatsoever. Especially the nap/bedtime one. You must read a book no matter how late at night. You must take a bath no matter how late at night. You must have Woofie. It extends beyond schedule because you believe that certain things go in certain places. It seriously bugs you if we move them.
 

Alden can make you smile in an instant. He is hilarious, never goes anywhere without making a new friend, and is the most creative person I have ever met. There is no end to his imagination or his outgoing and fearless personality that I wish I had more of myself. He is unbelievably loving. I am the luckiest recipient of many hugs and "I Love You's" and cuddles in my lap.

                                      

He was so pumped up about his birthday party that he was awake before daylight.   He told us that all of his friends would be there!  I assume that it is obvious that it was a Superhero party. Complete with capes and masks for all who wanted to wear them.

                                                 

                                    

Spencer cracked us up. He was the most serious super hero I have ever seen.  Kept this stoic face the whole day, never took off the cape or mask, and hung right in there with everything the big kids were doing. 

    

Superhero training program.

All superhero's need a sidekick.

All Superheros rescue damsels in distress.

When there is real trouble, sometimes it takes a team to fight crime.

A great big team!

The best part of any party.

The only reason a superhero will remove his mask.

As hard as it is for his parents to believe, Alden is very sure he is FOUR!