Jackson turned the big 4 (ha) on Friday, April 22. It was Easter weekend, so we had his big party the weekend before... but, we still had some fun on his actual birthday, too.

Jackson got to choose where we ate his birthday dinner. We fully expected him to choose McDonald's, so we had kind of been working on him to pick something else. Mom and Dad were in an influence battle between IHOP and Steak-n-Shake. I am very pleased to announce that Mom won!

Here is a pic on our way to pancakes.



















As soon as we sat down, Jackson told our server he was 4 today ;) And, it was also kind of cool because when we picked up the kiddos, he was telling everyone we were going for pancakes and he inspired one of his classmates' family to come to pancakes, too. They sat right next to us :) We enjoyed our breakfast for dinner, but the best part was the clapping, singing, and giant sundae that came after.

We love our IHOP and the servers...















































After IHOP, we had promised Jack a trip to Toys R Us so he could pick out something for his birthday. It turned into more than one thing and something for Mary Grace, too.. sigh... but, it was fun! Checking out took a awhile (bummer for credit card issues and finding out there's fraud on your account), so Jack took a ride with Mickey and got to join Geoffrey's Birthday Club complete with a balloon and crown.















Once we got home, Jackson had a few gifts to open from friends and family from around the country...

Here he is opening his very first hand-held video game, a cool Buzz Lightyear version that teaches letters and whatnot. His Uncle Toby sent it to him :)















And, Uncle Toby also sent this awesome Toy Story 3 search and find book.















Pops and Grandma Lynn also sent a package... a bunch of super cool learn-to-read books and a Twins t-shirt!















Jack also got cards from his Grammy and Grandpa Tim with gift cards to his favorite restaurant - you guessed it, Mickey D's - and, he got a card from his Uncle Andy, too.

Mary Grace reading the cards.















Here's a pic of Jackson on his Spiderman bike he got from Mom and Dad at his birthday party and his new Spiderman helmet.















Showing off his crown and his Dragon Boat.















We all had a great evening!















After that awesome evening, can you think of anything that could top it off? Amazingly, Jackson himself did... when it was time to bed, Jackson told me that now that he was 4, his pacifier was broken. This is something he had been talking about for months... but, that night, he threw his paci in the trash and went to bed without any drama. Absolutely Amazing!!

That evening, I felt so lucky for all the people who helped make Jackson's birthday special and so thankful for just having him. It truly was a great day of celebration.