Geoffrey turns 4!

Brant and I stumbled off of the airplane after our 12 hour flight, bleary-eyed and stunned by the bright sunshine that awaited us at LAX.

We turned the corner, after the long lines through customs, to meet eyes with a cheerful Grandma and our boy, shouting, "Mama!!  Daddy!!"   Momentarily, all feelings of extreme exhaustion disappeared, as we embraced our now 4-year-old, who was proudly carrying his birthday balloon along for the ride, because we had flown home on his birthday, and he was making sure we weren't going to forget it!

Through a blur of picking up Maddie after school, wrapping birthday presents, unpacking some of our bags, and hearing all about their many adventures while we had been in Europe, we managed to have a fun birthday celebration together!  Thanks to my mom and the kids, the house was appropriately decorated for his big day, dinner was prepared and a birthday cake was ready to go!  (Talk about great timing on our part -- I'll have to remember this; travel home from a big trip on special occasions, and other people take care of the little details for you!!)

Our big 4 year old!!

So happy (and so exhausted) to be together again!!

My attempt at taking a picture of Grandma and the birthday boy had a photo bomber, front and center.

So fun to have Grandma Kris in town on his actual birthday!

Birthday wishes -- he was so cute, too!  With each present he opened, he had to look for the card that accompanied it, and wouldn't open without holding the appropriate card.  We gave him more than one present, but only gave him one card...so he had to pause between gifts to acknowledge the same card. :)

That's a great 4-year-old face of birthday joy!

Not sure who was more excited about Geoffrey's new watch.

Finally scored his first action figure.  Love my boy!

Thanks for the delicious cake, Mom (and decorated by the kids)!

Absolutely one of the sweetest kids I know, and we both feel so blessed to be his parents. 

Haha - I love this picture the most...notice how Geoffrey's hand is pushing his big sister aside, as if to say, "No, no.  I've got this.  I'm a big kid, now!" 

Geoffrey, you bring so much joy to all who come in contact with you.  You are so thoughtful, positive, considerate, funny, smart, sensitive, and lovable.  Your daddy and I continue to be amazed at the bright young man you are becoming.  God is going to do amazing things with you, as you continue to share His light and love with the world.  We love you, buddy!!  Thank you for these awesome four years; we can't wait for what's to come!!