The next year, Parker turned TWO with a sandcastle cake. No disasters.
Avery turned ONE with a princess crown cake.
Parker turned THREE with a race track cake. (His third birthday also marked the beginning of his annual birthday race).
Avery turned TWO with a piggy cake!
When Parker and I looked online for cake-spiration this year, we found this Motocross Mountain Climb Cake. He loved it, it fit the race theme, didn't look too hard, so I decided to make it. Last Friday, I baked 4 round cakes, got them stacked in mountain form, was talking on the phone, and watched in horror as the beautiful layers crumbled. I cried as I tried to salvage the mess. Then I ate a few handfuls of cake to make myself feel better before taking a picture.
Joe got home from work, and I informed him that we were going to buy a dang cake. He couldn't believe I was going to break tradition, and encouraged me to start again. Not wanting to disappoint my 4-year old (and apparently husband who I didn't realize was so attached to my homemade cakes), I started again. I baked the layers, sliced off the tops so they would be perfectly flat and therefore wouldn't crumble, froze the layers for easier frosting, and went to bed.I woke up early to finish the mess before Parker's soccer game. We got home, and I hoped my eyes were deceiving me...the cake seemed to be sliding. I hurried and took a picture of the cake with Parker just in case, and wished we'd planned the event for just a few hours sooner.
As we drove to the park, I tried to keep the cake from crumbling, but it just wasn't meant to be. Here's the version our guests saw...
At least it still tasted good, and I didn't feel guilty dumping all of the remnants in the garbage before going home!Parker got a "big boy bike" for his birthday.
He couldn't wait to try it out for the race...
Of course Parker was mad that he didn't win...Jacob won on foot! But all the kids loved their medals, juice boxes, and bananas at the end. Overall, the last-minute thrown together party was a success! I think we'll stick with the race tradition, but maybe I should re-think the cake one!?!?
Happy birthday, Parkercito! I can't believe you're FOUR! Here are some fun facts about my favorite little boy...who has really grown up this year! I love you, buddy!
NAME: Parker
AGE: 4
FAVORITE COLORS: Blue and Green
FAVORITE SONG: Break Your Heart (Taio Cruz), Hallelujah (Rufus Wainwright)--from Shrek, Take Your Hat Off When the Flag Goes By (Brite Music), Scripture Scouts
FAVORITE MOVIES: Up, Spiderman, Star Wars
FAVORITE TV SHOWS: Word World, Dora
FAVORITE FOOD: Pizza, smoothies, grilled cheese
BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Learning to write his name, being FINALLY potty trained (after 1 1/2 years of trying...), learning to call ELMO on the phone
FAVORITE TOY: Spiderman toys
FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Riding his bike, playing with Avery, playing games on the computer, running, playing soccer, going to preschool, coloring, wrestling
TALENTS: Singing, being friends with EVERYONE, lego creations, making us laugh every day
MOST ENDEARING QUALITY: enthusiasm for life
GOALS FOR NEXT YEAR: Be a good big brother to his two little sisters, and help mommy accept the fact that kindergarten is just around the corner!
We've had visits from friends! (And yes...some things NEVER change!)
We went on a kid-free FREE trip to California and Disneyland. Our FREE hotel room was the CRAPPIEST hotel we've EVER stayed at, but HEY...it was FREE! We had a blast!
We had Easter! (And dyed our new clothes and kitchen table in the process!)
And finally, undocumented....I officially have ZERO kids in diapers! (Until June, anyway!) I was VERY reluctant to give into Avery's non-stop requests to use the potty, because potty-training Parker has been nothing less than traumatic, but she did it on her own! She hasn't had a single accident since the day she refused to wear a diaper a week ago after receiving big-girl panties in her Easter basket (which, sadly, is still more than I can say for sweet Parker). So YAY for AVERY!
Favorite Accessory: Shoes
Winning features: Big smile, chubby cheeks, bright blue eyes, dimple in chin
Won't go ANYWHERE without: This silly, nasty, hair-collecting "piggy" pen topper. She sleeps with it, carries it in her purse, bathes with it, you name it.
Biggest Accomplishments: Speaking in full sentences, almost potty-training herself, learning the words to all of her favorite songs, and somehow managing to keep us all smiling even when she finds "long-lasting lip color" in mommy's purse, and gets it all over herself, and Nannu's carpet on Christmas night!
Favorite Snack: Gum (which she actually keeps in her mouth)
Sweet little Avery, we can't believe you're already TWO!!! We've truly enjoyed EVERY stage with you so far, and can't wait to experience more of the joy one little girl can bring. Just STOP GROWING!!!!
5. Be THRILLED that Colby actually is completely surprised! (Especially since moments after it was ruined for Joe, I called 
6. Laugh at the 
8. Be grateful for supportive friends and family...yes, even the surprise-
9. Enjoy some serious talent from our niece and nephews Sadie, Ethan, and Spencer. I'm pretty sure I could never draw like this:
10. Start saving money in Joe's newest piggy bank from Matt and Erin (for all his failing assets!)
