E Man Turns 4

Eli went ahead and did it...
He turned 4 without even asking.

We were in WA for his bday this year. We learned last year that he is not a BIG PARTY kind of guy...so just us and Boppi and GrandBob was perfect.

E is totally into sea creatures and sharks right now...he can name almost ANY sea creature he sees in a book. He knows about 12 shark varieties by sight. Just point to it in a book and he will tell you, "Oh, that is a lemon shark." (or basking shark. or nurse shark. or whale shark. or white tip shark. or blue shark. or thresher shark. or ornate wobegong shark. I. am. not. kidding. It is so. cool.)

So, knowing his current love for all things sea creature-y Boppi knocked it out of the park with some sea decorations and a SHARK CAKE!!!

The Bday dinner table. Complete with sea stars, dolphins and fish for the center piece.

Isn't it cute? Great job, Boppi!

We watched Daddy cast a bit.

Little did he know that he was getting his VERY OWN fishing pole for his birthday.

He became very proficient at casting in no time at all.

(notice the shark in hand...LOVES it!)

We played on the beach a little.

Went for a paddle boat ride.

Kept very quiet in attempts to catch a flounder...

(catching a flounder was on his personal summer list)

Felt something tug at our line...

Reeled it in with Daddy...

It was a tiny flounder!

More excited than he appears...

Promise.

Fish kiss...

For luck??

Chloe...clearly excited about the flounder...

THE SHARK CAKE!!

(made from scratch...all natural banana cake...YUM!)

Didn't Boppi and Eli do a great job?!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, E!

You are such a gift.

You love God's creation so much.

You want to know everything about everything.

Right now...we think you will be a scientist...specifically focusing on sea creatures and insects.

Some of your most vivid memories are those that you interact with nature.

Whether it is at the Aquarium or on Cap'n Jimmy's boat...you remember all the details and love to tell others about your experiences.

In recent months, you have started initiating praying for all sorts of things.

We love to see your relationship with the Lord starting to develop.

You are sweet and kind.

Strong willed and determined.

You are a snuggler.

You notice things...like my toenails and hair.

We are in love with you and are so thankful to be your Mommy and Daddy.

4 is gonna be GREAT!

My Thoughts on Bathing Suit Shopping

It. Stinks.

It stinks so badly that I have been wearing the same brown and white polka-dotted swimsuit for going on 4 years now. It was a cute enough suit once. It was not the size of my choosing (read: fitting of a 16 year old figure), but it covered parts that needed to be covered and draped over parts that needed to be draped.

But, the time has come to find another.

OH, BOTHER. (read with Eore voice.)

I have previously shared my opinions on skinny jeans...
Well, bathing suits are 10 times worse...for multiple reasons.

My bum and belly pudge being the top two.

Is it just me? Or do you think the mirrors at Target are secretly 'fun house' mirrors minus the 'fun.' I honestly think I gain 10 pounds in those dressing rooms. Maybe it is the fluorescent lighting...or the Molten Lava Chocolate cake that is half eaten in the bowl next to me as I type...or the Starburst Jelly Beans I topped off this afternoon...or my lack of exercising.

But whatever it is...I. Hate. Bathing Suit Shopping.
It makes me grumpy.

Our Summer List 2011

See Family in WA - Go Fishing in GA and WA - Whale Watching - Ride a Horse -

SPRAY PARK - Boat Ride - AQUARIUM - Eat Ice Cream - Become best friends with a Mermaid and Ride a Seahorse* - Ride a Shark and Octopus - Go Camping - Potty train Eli -

Eat Popsicles - Swim lessons - Outdoor Movie Night - Zoo - Frances Meadows Water Park - READ - Raspberry Devonshire Pie - Cook out with friends -CRAFTS - catch fireflies - play in sprinklers - Journal - Picnic at the Lake

* you might think you know who contributed this summer goal...Chloe? Right?

Nope. Kevin. Kevin wants to become best friends with a mermaid and take a ride on a seahorse...our list started to go down the fantastical trail immediately after he offered this idea...we did not include all of them here...and cut them off after 'riding a shark and octopus.'

Our kids will never be accused of not having imaginations thanks to Kevin. :)

Summer List Idea from Meg over at Whatever