Jordan Turns 4

We celebrated Jordan's 4th Birthday this weekend. It was a fun, action-packed weekend with family and friends. Here are the highlights.

First off, our family and friends are very generous, and packages arrived for Jordan throughout the week. Jordan came to expect this, such that everyday when I went to the mailbox, she'd ask "What's for me?", and I'd show her the box, sometimes two, that had arrived. She was really good about understanding that she couldn't open them until her birthday. And she could hardly wait to see them wrapped and sitting in my room and closet. She'd go up there and study them, but not touch!

My Dad, my Aunt Brigid, and cousin Sam arrived Thursday afternoon. They've been on a cross-country national parks camping trip. For like a month. Brigid and Sam live in the southern end of Florida. They drove to Austin, then their camping trip meandered to Seattle for another cousin's wedding. On the way home, they stopped over in the ABQ for Jo's Bday and to pick up my Mom. And to do laundry :-) Jordan and Sam, who is 9, hit it off right away. Sam likes to play games where there are evil characters: right up Jordan's alley.

Friday was the last day of swim lessons for the kids. They always have a little party the last day, where everyone brings snacks. Jordan was very excited about this. Jacob didn't care, Jordan ate his snacks, but he did get to do his last lesson with his Daddy, who had the day off. Jordan passed her class this year, so she'll graduate to the big pool next summer. Friday was also busy with cake and cookie decorating for the party. Jordan insisted on a Cinderella, to go along with the princess theme. Cinderella came out looking a little sunken and lopsided, but Jordan knew who it was at least.

Finally the big day came, Party Day. Sunday was her real birthday, and when she'd get to open her presents, but she didn't care, she was all about the party. We played at the park that morning, and Jordan took a nice nap despite the excitement. GrandMaMa flew in that afternoon for a long weekend visit, and Jordan got to see her before her nap. Jordan had two little girlfriends coming to her party. She's going to have to get used to small parties with her summer birthday; I remember that growing up, and it was one of the reasons I wanted springtime babies. The girls, little brothers, and Sam all played together and had a great time. We rented a princess castle bounce house, and that was a huge hit with kids and adults. Even Nana got in there for a bit and put on a little show for us! Luckily, given her strapless top, it wasn't too exciting of a show. We played outside, opened presents from friends, painted magnets, ate yummy pizza (despite being handed the wrong order), ate frozen cake (because I forgot to set it out to thaw), and bounced until dark. It was a good party.

Sunday was the real Birthday, and we opened presents for HOURS. Jordan got princess everything. She loved it. She also got her own Pillow Pet, after coveting Jacob's for months. When she opened it, she said "It's just like in the commercials!!". She was so excited to get a gift she had seen a commercial for. Ever since that morning, she's been on a rampage to play with everything. We've watched movies, worked puzzles, played princess computer, painted, colored, played dolls, read books, splashed in the pool, you name it. She is spoiled rotten, there's no doubt. But at least she plays with all of her stuff.

So, we're starting our 5th year with kids, and I think the changes we see in Jordan in year 5 will be much more profound than in year 4. I'm not sure why I think this, just a hunch. At any rate, I'm ready to enjoy age 4, even though she's already planning her 5th Birthday.