Tristan Turns 4

Today was a great day!  We were able to enjoy every minute of it after I cancelled a more typical birthday party and let the four-year-old decide just what he wanted for his birthday.  His ideas were way more fun than I would have come up with.  I think we will be doing this more in the future.  

The day started with Tristan opening the gift from us that he has not really put down since he opened it.  Star Wars is his thing right now and it doesn't even matter that I don't care for it because his little face just lights up when he plays it.

He asked to go to the aquarium for his birthday...done.  

We met up with his buddies Blake, Dylan, and Brady for some fishy fun and the next item on Tristan's birthday list.  He wanted us to sing Happy Birthday to him in the shark room...done (we are not a group that is shy to sing in public.  He accomplished something today that he has been too afraid to do.  Today he fed the stingrays!!!!  He is growing up!  They played in the play area and had a snack because on Tristan's list was Cars fruit snacks which I never let him have, but hey it was on the birthday list.

Tristan's very detailed list then included the 4D roller coaster ride outside the aquarium and then it was home for naps... that was on mom's list. 

The next part of the day I was SO glad I asked him what he wanted because he knew just what he wanted and I NEVER would have guessed most of it.  He didn't want a cake or cupcakes, he wanted cookies with sprinkles... done.

He also wanted a dinosaur party...done.  I never would have guessed this one, but when I asked him about a party he said, "my dinosaur party.  You said when I turn four I get a dinosaur party"  Really?  When did I say that?  Doesn't matter because I made it happen. 

Our friends Rina, Ari, and Zev came over for Happy Meals (the list)...done.  It was fun to share the fun with friends.

The best parts of the day for me was watching Tristan's face as we accomplished everything on his four-year-old list of what a perfect birthday would be.  His face would light up as each thing happened in a way that I knew I actually gave him the greatest gift I could have... I listen to him.  He knew I listened when he was talking and really heard what he wanted for HIS day.  Love that kid!