Happy Birthday to Peter

For Peter's 4th birthday we really wanted to plan a day sledding with our friends. He has loved it so much this year, we thought it would be perfect! However, with the rain, cold temperatures this week and wind, all of the places that we go are icy, rough and either a puddle or ice rink at the bottom. We took a day trip to LARK toys instead, rode the carousel, played trains and looked at other toys. He got to pick out a car or truck from the wall as usual and picked a little green tractor.

  MVI 1633 from garrick holey on Vimeo.

Afterwards, we took naps and had a few friends over for playing trains, pizza and ice cream cake. I felt bad at first that I didn't plan any activities but all of the little boys were asking about playing trains with Peter all day- I think they all had fun!!

 

You were really excited about the train candle holder that we bought this summer and helped me remember to use it- We made an ice cream cake this year that was super delicious too!

MVI 1641 from garrick holey on Vimeo.


Your big present from us this year was a new GREEN bike. You have been riding a hand-me-down for months that makes a few clunks here and there- you also can out pedal it a lot of the time so it was time to size up. You look so little on that big bike, but you weren't scared at all- you hopped right on and rode up and down the block for a half hour today! You definitely found out that you can go a little faster on this bike and were trying out the speed. I am hoping that I can run with Emi and the baby in the stroller and Peter can ride his bike around the lake- now I'm just hoping I can keep up with him! Maybe I'll attach the bike attachment to the stroller and to HIS bike...

Right now, you love to play trains- your brio and electric are your favorites and you are awesome at building complicated tracks. You also like to act out the shows we watch with your trains and play pretend with them. Another favorite thing of yours is OWLS. We pretend we are an owl family- usually barred owls (sometimes screech or snowy) and fly, look for mice or hoot together. It is obvious that Emelia just loves you becuase she will join in with you as soon as you start to hoot. You also have gotten into playing outside in the snow, shoveling, sledding or going skiing a little bit. This year you learned to ride a pedal bike with no training wheels and can ride all over town on it- people see you and do a double take!! When Emi and I walk to pick you up from school we bring your bikes a lot and you love to ride through the puddles and say "Splish, splash, sploosh!" You are going to be hard to keep up with- you are really good at waiting at intersections though.


This last week you also have given up sucking your thumb unless you are in bed. You wore a glove for a few days and then dropped it altogether. I know it is hard for you sometimes becuase I see you go for it, but then tuck it away- You work really hard at being a big boy. You also love to be FIRST around the house- the first upstairs, downstairs for breakfast, the first to help set the table and the first to pick out a book to read. You are helpful around the house too- you put clothes away/down the laundry chute, set the table and clear the table, put away toys... the list goes on. You tell me that I am your best "home friend" and love to snuggle and read books with me (especially if they are about trains or owls, but you also like Curious George, Clifford, Olivia... and we have started to read some chapter books as well together) and tell me that "i love you best- than all the rest!"

You are a sweet, funny and encouragable boy! You can get into and out of trouble faster than anyone I have met. You have a sweet smile and big brown eyes that give you away- if you are being funny, naughty or sweet. We all love you so much Peter!! Happy 4th Birthday!!