Halloween

This was the first big Halloween for the boys. Perry was sick last year; and we hadn't done much the years before. We visited a few neighbors early in the evening, and then headed to Emily and Elson's house for their party.

 Cute Pirates

Crzay pic of the kids at the party

 We went to several houses on their street too--Perry was a pro trick or treater by this point.

This sweet witch was handing out raisins. I was so happy to see Mills get something he could actually eat! 

Once home we immediately hid the candy from Perry, and he never even asked about it. Out of sight, out of mind. We probably won't be able to get away with that for long!

Perry's Fall Carnival

I was able to join Perry at his Fall Carnival at St. Pauls. It was a fun morning for him and I was glad to be there. The weather was very yucky, so they had to move it indoors, but the kids didn't mind. We went through about 10 different stations of activities. Here are some picture highlights.

 Before leaving for school, Pirate Perry had to play on his ship

 making his placemat

 picture frame

 bobbing for doughnuts 

 hard work paid off!

 cookie decorating (one of his favorite activities)

 Mamma Zebra; Pirate Perry

Hayride in the rain--his very favorite activity! 

Perry's First Shave

WARNING: If you're not comfortable or interested in seeing my husband without a shirt on, do not look at this post.

Perry got a little shaving kit for his birthday from his friend Aubrey and he was very excited to try it out. I made sure to have my camera there for this big event!

Oh my gosh, he's so cute!

Storytime Birthday Party

We had another joint party this year for Perry and Mills. I came up with the idea of a "Storytime" theme since Library storytime is something they both love.

Invitation:

Party food table: All the snacks were related to a childrens book.

The kids all arrived and played/snacked and after a while we started storytime. My aunt, Cindy, is a Kindergarten teacher, so she was the obvious choice for our leader. She read a few books and we sang/danced one song. It was a really cute time! The older ones, especially, loved it.

 Blanche brought several of her small quilts (that she has quilted) for the kids to sit on. Love the sentimental touch.

singing "Wheels on the Bus"--Mills' favorite

After storytime, it was "Happy Birthday" time. I made banana muffins and jazzed them up with glaze and colorful sprinkles. It was all Perry could think about the entire morning...that boy has an obsession with sugar!

We love having dear friends to celebrate with and the boys were so fortunate to have ALL (well, 6 out of 7) grandparents there!

 sweet muffin face

 Perry had fun bouncing and playing with friends

Mills preferred to observe everything from a distance

We opened their presents gradually over the next few days. They got some really great new things! I had to take a picture of the cards my friend, Carrie, made. I didn't even know she is so talented! 

Perry is 4

Perry's actual birthday was on a Sunday this year. Our morning was short, but we were able to celebrate with birthday pancakes. The remainder of the day was pretty normal. We spent some time playing in the back yard while Perry worked on riding his new bike!

Four fingers!

It's hard to believe how big Perry is getting. He seems to think he is pretty grown too--talking back more and having a hard time accepting our rules over his own desires. But with this maturity, we've also seen him grow in self control, understanding, and awareness. Perry is so affectionate with his words. You'll often hear him say "I love you", "I missed you", "I'm really going to miss you", "Awe, that's so sweet" or "That baby is SO cute" (he adores babies). He and Mills have their fair share of fighting, but they are both so good at apologizing and asking for forgiveness while giving the other a kind hug. Perry has set such a great example for Mills in that regard. 4 years old is definitely the age of questions! Perry asks soooooooooooo many questions about absolutely everything under the sun. I love his inquisitive mind! Perry is is also growing physically--he's about 40 pounds and 40 inches tall. We will have to confirm that when he has his 4 year old check up.
Oh, how we love you, Perry Boy!

Perry's St. Paul's Birthday

We celebrated Perry's birthday at school a couple days before his actual birthday. At chapel, he was the special leader for his class that day, which meant he carried the flag and held it on stage for their opening songs/Pledge of Allegiance. Ms. Rose even recognized him as a special birthday boy. No surprise to us that Perry was mister serious while up on the stage. He did exactly what he was supposed to do and looked precious doing so! It was so fun for us to sit in chapel with him and I know he felt the same.

Daddy and Mills waiting for chapel to start

 holding the flag with hand over his heart (who cares if it's his left hand)

 After chapel we had a birthday snack of doughnut holes and fruit with his little class.

Mrs. Sevier even had a sweet gift for him.