Happy 4th Birthday Jackson and Peyton!

It seems hard to believe that the twins are already four years old. It wasn't very long ago that they were born at Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville, TN.
What a blessing they have been in our lives since they arrived!
Today was extra special because Daddy took the day off to help with their birthday parties and Uncle Robb came this weekend to be with them for their birthday as well.

We started out their special day with a delicious birthday breakfast (wholewheat pancakes with pudding, whipped cream and chocolate syrup). This breakfast is like eating dessert, so it is a definite favorite at our house. We only have it on special occasions, usually birthdays. Jackson was so excited for his pirate party he hardly ate after blowing out his candle.

Peyton loves her breakfasts, but even she could hardly eat because she was so excited for Jackson's pirate party and her Dora birthday party later that morning.

Jackson with his birthday cake--his own private island.
This year he insisted on having his own birthday party. He didn't want to have to share and I don't blame him. So, against my better judgment, I agreed to throw the twins each their own party. Jackson's pirate party was wild water fun with boys running every direction. The boys didn't want to settle down for any of the planned games or activities. It was hilarious to note the differences between his party and Peyton's party an hour later.

Peyton with the Dora cake that took far too long for me to create!
Peyton's Dora party went a lot more as planned. The girls were able to focus on the activities planned. They loved the coloring and party games and didn't seem to mind the structured fun. I really enjoyed playing with them and didn't feel as out of control as I did with the boys.

Jackson loved his pirate balloon! He was pleased with his birthday party theme and played pirates most of the day.

Peyton's Dora balloon is a fun size for playing in the Dora tent Peyton got for her birthday.

This picture was taken in the evening after a busy day of birthday parties and friends. Peyton was ready to settle down and open some presents. We cleaned up from the parties and let the kids play with all of the balloons. Many of them didn't make it to bed time!

Jackson really wanted Bumblebee the transformer for his birthday. I was excited when I got it for him. Little did I know that Bumblebee would become such a pain for Mark who had to transform it at least a dozen times before Jackson went to bed.

Peyton chose this Doodle pro for her birthday. She already got one for Christmas but she has used it so much that it looks worn out, so I guess she wanted an upgrade. She was very excited and it was the favorite toy of the evening.

Jackson's favorite toy was the speed racer car that Uncle Robb bought him. He loves it!

Peyton asked Robb for a car as well, but a pink "girl" car was what she wanted specifically. Poor little Peyton is surrounded by boys on every side. At least she can play cars with them in style!

The day was a flurry of activity. I hardly had a moment to concentrate. After the birthday parties, we cleaned up, took baths and opened presents. The kids pieced on their cakes and treats and ended up not wanting to go out to dinner as I had planned. They were excitedly playing with their new toys and didn't stop until bed time arrived (a little early since they were all melting down). Mark and I irreverently laughed through our family prayer because every one of our children was crying and worn out. They didn't stop for the prayer and we could have either laughed or joined in their woeful cry and it just seemed funny at the moment. Things are always funnier when you are supposed to be reverent. I hope they are now sleeping soundly!

Happy birthday sweet twins!