4!

You're officially 4! For 4 days now lol.  Time keeps flying by, as usual, but I wanted to get an entry in for this milestone!
First, We celebrated at grandma Judy's with a few people from dad's side of the family, as well as Uncle Kevin, Nana Linda, and Papa Junior.  The night before, mommy made your cake as you had requested: completely covered in all red M&M's.  I also made you some cake pops, since you love that app so much (and yes, they had mini M&M's on them).  The next morning, we went by Party City to get the 4 green balloons you requested (we'd already gotten the 'surprise makers' (blowouts) when we came for the M&M's the day before).  At grandma Judy's, we had a very nice time.  Mommy and Nana prepped some soups and grandma made chili and sandwich stuff for everyone.  Then it was time to have your cake and open presents.  You got a Paw Patrol watch and backpack (which was full of fun school suppies) from grandma, some pinwheels and something else from cousin Johnny (and his son, who really did not behave well around you during the party, to mommy's dismay), Candy Land game from mommy & daddy, and a penquin pillow pet from Nana & Papa.  You were elated, loved all of your gifts.  You even got to do a few sparklers that grandma Judy saved for you after that!
Back here at home, we celebrated on your actual birthday with opening your other presents from mommy & daddy: a cool LEGO set that had a helicopter and motorcycle, and a Vtech smart car that will work with your airport set that Aunt Diane got for you last Christmas.  Mommy took you shopping with the $20 that cousin Kristen gave you in a card.  We went to Target, where we looked around at everything in the toy section; you finally declared that you wanted to get a game,   You really wanted one called "Bounce Out", but that was rated for 7 years and up, so I showed you games that were for your age.  After much deliberation, you settled on "Hungry Hungry Hippos".  We got this home and you loved it--played several rounds with uncle Kevin after mommy had to got out for work.  Mommy also took you to Barnes & Noble to get your free birthday treat; you selected a chocolate cupcake with chocolate frosting (quelle surprise!) and were quite fascinated by the chocolate curls on it lol.
On the day after your birthday, we went to Chuck E. Cheese for dinner, which you loved as usual.  You ran around and got sweaty, but didn't win nearly as many tickets as the last time we visited.
On Saturday, we went roller skating again--this was your third time.  Chelsea was able to join us, too--it was here first time and she had a bit more difficulty than you did the first time.  Thankfully, the staff offered to let her try to Fisher-Price skates that don't roll backwards and this helped her a lot (you never needed these).
Sunday, we (you, mommy, and daddy) went for a short road trip to go hiking at Apple River Canyon State Park near Galena, IL.  We did the first one mile trail with no problem.  You love to jump over the tree roots that grow into the hiking paths.  You also really love to throw rocks into the river lol.  On the second trail, we were doing great until near the end--you stopped suddenly and screamed "OWWWWWWWWWW!!!" and I came to see what was wrong.  I noticed something flying near you and tried to get both of us away from whatever it was.  It had stung you on the chest, right through your shirt!  Thankfully it did not leave a stinger, but oh, how mommy felt terrible for you, knowing how much it had to hurt!  You cried out for 'blankies and chocolate milk', so daddy hoisted you onto his shoulders and we tired our best to get you back to the car as quick as possible.  We ran into a snag when the trail required a crossing at the river.  The river was shallow at some parts, but not enough to keep us from getting our feet soaked :/  Still, daddy was heroic and carried you on his shoulders for this part, too, which got you distracted enough to cease wailing and calm down.  We then made it back to the car and headed over to Galena for a late lunch.  It was very good--you ate a TON of the salad!  As expected, you napped quite a bit on the way home.  I think you had a great long birthday celebration and are quite proud of being 4 :)  Love you lots!