The Big Dinosaur Birthday Bash: 2008 edition

Although he won't officially be Four until tomorrow (the 29th), we celebrated Jack's birthday this past Saturday (the 26th) with a Dinosaur Party totally befitting our Future Paleontologist. Thankfully, the overnight rain ended just in time for us to party outside as planned, and the kids had a great time swinging, sliding, blowing bubbles, digging in the sandbox, playing dinosaurs, and riding in Jack's new Jeep!

Yes, readers, Jack has his very first car and it was the surprise hit of the party! My mom and dad decided last year, I think, that they wanted to give Jack a Power Wheels this year, so we have all been looking and comparing for months. Jack would vascillate between wanting a Firetruck, a regular Truck and a Jeep. I, for one, am thankful that "we" decided on the Jeep Hurricane because of the Ultimate Traction feature - He can ride it all over our yard with little temptation to take it in the street! Mimi and Poppa arrived a little early so that Jack could have a few moments of solitude with his new Baby before his friends arrived and the chauffering duties began. (What a glimpse into the future!) Here you see Jack's reaction as he sees the Jeep for the first time. Needless to say, he was beyond thrilled:

Pretty soon, Jack's guests began arriving and he had the pleasure of taking them for a spin around the backyard. I figured we'd have a hard time getting him to let someone else drive, but he actually let several of his friends take a turn beyond the wheel. The real fun began when friends and dinosaurs alike began a chase...It was like a scene right out of Jurassic Park!

Here are a few more of my favorite pictures from the day:

And finally, the group shot. I can hardly believe we got it, but thank goodness I have a husband who will literally stand on his head to make the kiddos smile!

Thank you Spencer, Aidyn, Preston, Jake, Evan, Nate, Emmy, Sydney Abigail, Parkes & James (and your fabulous parents!) for making Jack's birthday so very special. Thank you, Mimi and Poppa for the marvelous gift, for all your love and for sharing the day with us. We missed our sweet friends Mia, Ava, Christian and Baylor who couldn't be here for the party. We especially missed Buddy and DeeDee who celebrated Jack's birthday with him all last week at Disney World and were spending some well-deserved and much-needed time at home.

We are so blessed to be surrounded by such love. And our little boy couldn't be growing up in better company. Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who has helped make this such a special time for us!