A FOUR year old.

Andy dropped Turner off at my house around 8 AM so I could make him a birthday pancake breakfast before school. When he got here, however, he was not interested in pancakes. I mentioned donuts and it was settled. While we were at the donut shop some lady backs into our car (she barely bumped it, but she was backing into it slowly for several minutes while two of us in the parking lot waved our hands in the air and yelled at her to stop). Turner was in the backseat watching. After the woman pulls a safe distance from us, Turner climbs into his seat and says, "Wow Mom. That was real scary." And, of course, he did the head nod.
We head to the grocery to secure another dozen cupcakes for birthday party number one (location: Turner's school at snack time). Sadly these cupcakes get turned upside down before they arrive at his school. But, the kids didn't seem to notice. The frosting was made with this bright blue and green food coloring that stained the kids' faces and hands. Before Turner finished eating, his hands looked as though he'd been finger painting. It will be interesting to see how such food dye affects his insides in the coming days.

So, party number two happened tonight. We went to "chicks fil E" for some waffle fries, chocolate milk, and chicken. Turner made several new friends there, and he did not miss the opportunity to remind everyone he was now a four year old. We coax Turner out of the playland with reminders about birthday presents and cake.
I have asked Turner several times what kind of cake he wanted for his birthday, and his answer was unwavering: White cake with white icing that has a Turner on top ice skating. I couldn't understand why this kid - who loves chocolate so deeply - would want a white cake. But, I made it. And, I made two frostings for it because the first one didn't work out as planned (I'm sure Chiara can attest to my love/hate relationship with frosting-making).
I bought these cool candles for Turner’s birthday last year that spell out “Happy Birthday.” I didn’t use them last year because I stashed them away somewhere and couldn’t locate them day of. So, I put them on his 4 year old cake instead, and it was high fire this year.
Andy cuts the cake and Turner takes a bite.
“Ewwww. I don’t like that icing. I wanted chocolate cake.”
Man . . . He doesn’t eat more than one bite of it. Perhaps it will taste better to him tomorrow. I thought it tasted just fine (though I think we all would have preferred chocolate).
We get to do presents next, and Turner was not disappointed.
We found the bike first.
Then we played hot/cold in the kitchen to locate the sword.
Yes, that sword is made of solid wood. Yes it is nearly as tall as our very tall four year old. And, yes I think Andy and I are going to regret the decision to purchase such a large and well-crafted sword. He LOVES it though, and he was so very excited that he got it.

After I read him a story I ask what his favorite part of the day was. He says, “It was all of my favorite parts.” Watching him today felt magical.