A "Dino-rific" birthday

So my little boy turned 4. How did this happen? He had asked that maybe we could surprise him with some balloons and maybe a sign for his birthday, so I decided to throw him a "surprise" party with his friends. We had a dinosaur theme and it was a lot of fun. Of course, things never always go the way you plan, and I learned many things I should have done differently, but overall Carson had fun and that's all that really matters.

This is his Stegasauras cake.
Carson opening a few presents in the morning...

Carson hugging Kenzie after she gave him some little animals and a gumball machine...

Carson coming home from the Arcade with Dad and Kenzie, to find all his friends, Grandma Crowther, and Uncle Kyle at his house. This was the best picture I got of him walking into the house. (He had orange fake teeth in his mouth from the arcades) SURPRISE!!!

He was a little shocked and it took him a few moments to even realize what was going on. He was so happy to see all his little friends there, and even more excited to have Grandma and Uncle Kyle come alll the way for just a little party. Thanks guys!

Grandma holding McKenzie Jo...

We played "Pin the tooth on the dinosaur", Hot and Cold (we hid a little dinosaur and the kids would get "Hot" when they were close, and "Cold" when they got farther away from the hidden dinosaur. Kind of lame, I know, but it's all I could come up with.) The last game was decorating their own Dinosaur eggs (hard-boiled eggs) with stickers and markers. Unfortunately, the eggs were too cold and not many of the stickers really stuck on, but they had fun coloring them with the markers.

Then it was onto presents....

Before bed the night before, James asked Carson (trying to preface him to use his manners at the party)..."What do you do after someone gives you a present? To which Carson replied, "EAT CAKE!!!" He was going for "say thankyou" but whatever.

Finally it was time to eat the cake!

I'll tell ya, it didn't taste as good as it looked. I kind of ran out of frosting so I had to mix a few flavors. I figured it didn't really matter since I was coloring it all green anyway, but it gave it a very interesting flavor. At least the kids didn't mind.

Happy Birthday Carson James! We love you so much! You are growing up too fast, and I would absolutely love to keep you young. You have been a very entertaining "toddler", and can always make me laugh. However, I can't wait to see what clever things you'll come up with as a "kid" too! I'm sure you'll give me many more stories to share. You are so special to all of us. We love you!