For the main event we gathered all the kids 6 and under for a Power Wheels race. Curt had set up a track out in the cul-de-sac and after assigning drivers and passengers, we lined up the 5 cars (out of the 8 PWs we have acquired over the last year through garage sales and thrift stores) for a 3 lap race. This was such a highlight for everyone, even the adults witnessing the madness that was occurring. Some kids could drive better than others, and then there were a few who preferred to make their own course.
There were collisions, spin outs, fender benders, side swipes, barricades barreled through, and pile-ups oh my! We did several "heats" and switched up the cars and drivers each time. Brooke even took a turn driving but she was under a lot of pressure and wasn't at the top of her game, i.e... she missed nap time, resulting in a tired fit of rage, and refused to let anyone sit in the driver seat of her pink jeep. She kept screaming at everyone "GET OUT, MY JEEP!"
So she got to drive in a few races but spent most of the time running into hay bales, trash cans, and the other cars. We finally had to take her battery out and put it in another vehicle so the older kids could have a turn since she wasn't sharing anymore.
And what's a race without parents and grandparents nailing you in the face with super soakers and water balloons as you drive by. At one point, Kempton was more interested in that part of the race than driving. Overall it turned out to be a lot of fun for all the kids but also for Curt and I to see all the cars in motion at once. You don't see that everyday!
After the races we came in for cake and ice cream. It was so fun seeing everyone crowded in for Happy Birthday and knowing just how loved and blessed our family is. We are truly grateful for all the people in our life and for the chance we had to spend K's special day with them. And if you can't tell, Kempton loved his cake and all the new CARS characters he had driving around on it. It was a perfect birthday party and the perfect start to another year with this kid.
Things to remember:
At 4 years old Kempton is 36 lbs, 39 3/4 inches tall and wears a 4T and size 10 shoe.
He is such a sweet and caring kid who loves his family and makes a point to always let us know that.
Kempton is an amazing big brother to a sometimes stubborn sister, but he is always loving on her, helping her out, and cheering her on.
He is growing in so many ways and has become such a big help to me.
Kempton has a very silly personality and says the funniest things sometimes. Lately he likes to tell strangers (or people we know but he doesn't necessarily) that they're weird. We're working on that since it's not always nice, but I snicker every time.
He's very smart and very active and loves to ride his bike, swim, and lately he's all about shooting things (dart guns, water guns).
When he grows up he wants to be Iron Man.
K sometimes (um all the time...) thinks he is on the same level with us so it's hard to be stern with him when he tells you he's going to count to three, and if you don't get his otter pop then he's going to spank your bottom. I think he even told me to go to time-out once for not doing something when he asked. Seriously, he says things back to me that I have told him and I just crack up.
The kid likes to push the boundaries and sometimes it's funny (other times it's really not) but it shows that he has a strong personality and that can be difficult at this age, but it runs in the family. What can you do?
He loves to going to the lake and proved once again that he has no fear when he went on a rope swing that was too high for me to go on, and refused to let go. He liked swinging out and back over and over again.
He is OBSESSED with Angry Birds.
He sneaks into our bed on occasion when he has a bad dream, and then will either cuddle with me, or spend the night kicking me in the ribs.
He loves to rough house with his dad.
He is protective of his sister, sometimes too much when strangers are saying hi or smiling (enter "you're weird, don't talk to my sister").
He knows his whole name and the first, middle, and last of his parents and Brooke.
He is great with number recognition and counting, he knows all of his shapes including octagon (good ole Mickey Mouse Clubhouse).
Doesn't care too much for the alphabet but is getting better with recognition, his favorite letters and the one's he knows best go figure are W M K and O.
Kempton knows his way around a computer and no matter where he is can get on the internet and to the Disney site to play the games. He can play several games above his skill level and even though he can't read the directions on how to play, he figures it out.
He is my little buddy and I am so excited for this next year in his life when he starts full day Pre-K and hopes he loves learning as much as I did at that age. Too bad Brooke and I are going to miss him.
We hope you had a great birthday Kempton, we love you so much!!
