Postcards from a now-four-year old's birthday extravaganza

Our weekend was very full of birthday celebrations. During his time with me and my grandparents, we had chocolate chip Micky Mouse pancakes at the diner he says is "my favorite restaurant in the whole entire world," rode the ferris wheel overlooking the city at Navy Pier, played miniature golf and snuggled on the couch in an ice-cream coma.

It wasn't easy sending him off with his dad for the second half of his birthday celebration. Instead of lingering on the separation, we talked about how blessed he is to be loved by so many people, how grateful we are that all of these people want to celebrate his life so far.

That time quickly slipped into Sunday and a fabulous firefighter party.  My parents' backyard was transformed into a firefighter training academy with eight kids, an obstacle course and many cake-smeared, smiling faces as each kid earned their badges and helmets by rescuing a stuffed animal kitty from the tree, spraying down "flames" from the side of the garage and hi-yah-ing and rebuilding a big sponge brick wall.

We are delighted and exhausted. And have a fridge full of leftover cake and a living room overwhelmed by new fire engine toys. Age four is beginning with deep sleep and good dreams.

On the ferris wheel at Navy Pier. The city looked amazing from this vantage point.

The birthday boy arrives for the party.

His red tee was replaced by adorable shirts my mom made with iron-ons of the firefighter insignia. His read Fire Chief Lil E, mine Fire Chief Mommy, and of course, there was Fire Chief Grandma and Fire Chief Grandpa. He was thrilled we were all in costume. Hey, he's fancy, so why not join him in the festivities?