Sam Turns 4

My angel baby is 4!  So much to say about Sam.  Over the past few months he has really grown up.  He is so independent, loves to play with his friends, and is so pumped about being a big boy.  Next week preschool finally starts as well as his first soccer season.  It can't come fast enough.  His athletic ability is pretty impressive for how young he is.  He is fiercly competitive and can't handle losing.  He is deeply sensitive and always worried about me if I'm not feeling well.  He's a very good eater but sugar is his favorite and being the baby of the family, he gets away with eating more than the other boys ever did.  He never hesitates to tell me he loves me.  His brothers and cousins are his best friends but he has lots of friends in the neighborhood.  They are all at least 2 years older than him so it's been rough having them all at school.  Kennedy, Leah, Jake, Tristen, Adam, Taven, and Beckett are his favorite friends at the moment.  Sam loves music and has a set playlist in my car.  Froggy Fresh tops that list but he also loves Fall Out Boy (Centuries), Ed Sheeran (Photograph), Shawn Mendes (Stitches), and fun (We Are Young), to name a few.  I love to hear him singing in the back seat.  He has the sweetest little voice. 

He has been counting down the days to his birthday and it finally came.

Hank had to model Sam's new sweatshirt, and Sam was over the moon about his shin guards.

Sam and I did something I haven't done with my other boys.  I took him shopping for clothes and he actually went into the dressing room and tried on every outfit to make sure he liked it.  Who needs a girl?  

Our family certainly wouldn't be the same without our sweet Sammy-Boy.

Apparently the volatile moods didn't magically go away when he turned 4.  He really was pumped about his new Lego's and Lego table.  Perhaps all the time he spends with Sarah's boys has turned him into my only Lego loving kid.  Since Sam's birthday fell on a Sunday, we were able to have a nice relaxing morning and breakfast at his favorite spot, IHOP.

I mean does it get any better than that?

Although he got this scooter last year for his birthday, I had to capture just how much his scooter skills have improved over the past year.

His personality really shines through in these pictures. 

Love this one!  He is so easy to photograph.

Sam had time to play with all his toys, exchange his shoes, and pick up his birthday cake before his party.  He looked so handsome in his new duds.

He loves his bros so much and they love him.

He might love me more though.

The Griffers goes from loving Sam to being utterly terrified of him all day long.  Sam treats him like the little brother he never had.

Although Sam has always been a mamas boy, I noticed lately he prefers Randy much more.

Super Sam!

He requested a soccer themed party in honor of his upcoming soccer debut.

After every present he opened, he followed up with a hug.

He always has a special spot in his heart for Lennon.

I told you this kid is the easiest to photograph!  I love this picture of him with Sarah's family.  Tucker and Jack are his brothers from another mother.

I hope all your wishes come true this year buddy.  Being your mom is a true joy.  You make me feel loved every single day and I love you right back with my whole heart.