FOUR

Can you believe that this handsome little guy is four already? I can't. It seems like yesterday we were taking him home. I'll say that every birthday til I die, I'm sure. Last week this little boy was asking me questions about his future mission. As I was answering him he asked me if I'd remember him when he grows up and moves away. I just started crying! I'm not ready for this little boy to grow up! He realized this thought made me sad and he told me not to worry, I will be his mommy forever. Thank goodness for that!

I didn't get to make him a cake this year. I was sad about it, but it was a very busy day! The boys had to get haircuts, I had errands to run, and a friend of ours had a birthday party. The whole day was taken up, so James picked out a Costco cake.

On Saturday night we took him to Peter Piper Pizza (it's like Chuck-e-Cheese) and he had a total blast playing games. We let him open one present that night.

After church on Sunday (his actual birthday) we Skype'd with my family and James opened the rest of his presents in front of them. He was so happy that people had sent him gifts. He was a very happy boy.

James is doing so well and we are so proud of him. He has made lots of friends in church and we are constantly told by his teachers how thoughtful he is when it comes to other children's feelings. If another kid is feeling sad, James will go over and hold their hand and ask them to be his friend. He's very perceptive to other people's feelings.

He's also wild and crazy. He loves to run around and sing loudly and jam out to the radio. He loves rough housing with his dad and cuddling with his mom. He loves long car rides, slurpees, I Love Lucy,  and pizza. He can write his name and can't wait to start school. He can read quite a few words, but hasn't actually memorized the alphabet (which I think is just weird because he knows the sounds, but I guess everyone learns differently, right?). I sometimes wonder if being ambidextrous comes with a totally different learning style... But anyway, that's not to say he isn't super smart, because he is. He's very excited to start school next year. I'm not really ready for it, but I'm glad that he isn't afraid of it and that he's excited to learn. He really loves drawing, Angry Birds, and helping out around the house. He's our James. He's awesome and we love him. I'm so thankful that Heavenly Father sent him to us.