I have a 4 year old...

Dear Luke,

I have been processing the fact that I will soon have a 4 year old this whole week. I looked back at pictures of you, and us, over the past four years and the feelings that overcome me are indescribable. We have had so many ups and downs and have made so many great memories. When I look at the pictures of your first year I feel like it was yesterday! And now that your little sister is a year old, I see so much of you in her. It makes me so happy to see her doing and saying some of the same things you did/said. She calls Mickey and Minnie, "Be" just like you did. She follows you everywhere and you are happy to lead. You two are the best of friends, and I hope that always continues. You are SUCH a good boy. You have your days, like any little boy (I almost typed toddler then realized you aren't one) but for the most part, you make us so proud. All your teachers at preschool and friends' moms comment on how well behaved and smart you are. Proud mommy.

You have such a kind heart. Last week you made a comment to me about homeless people and said they could all live with us and eat our food and we could have a big house for them. It made me tear up. I learn so much from you, every day. You are constantly telling us you love us, and you feel horrible if you hurt anyone's feelings. When it comes to regards for others' feelings, you are well beyond your years.  Please slow down! I can't believe how big you are! Here are some things you did this year:

-We got season passes to Disneyland (lucky us..thanks daddy's school!) and we were able to go 22 days! (Separate occasions, haha). Needless to say, you are a Disney freak. You love all the rides and characters and talk about it as if it's our home away from home. Hopefully you won't miss it too much til we go again in a few years! ;)

-You can say all your letter sounds (A says ah, a, and awe, etc) and have started putting them together to read short words. You also can count to 100.

-You are getting better at writing things. You can write Luke and Ali like a pro! ;)

-You still love super heroes, dressing up, pirates, Mickey, coloring and drawing maps, and your latest obsession is riding your bike. Now that we live on a cul-de-sac you ride almost every night with some kids in the neighborhood.

-You are a horrible eater. That is something we REALLY need to work on. Hopefully by the time you are 5 you are better. ;) You hardly eat anything all day unless it's fruit snacks, pirate booty, mac n cheese or grapes.

- You used to be really tall for your age but that has slowed down a little. You are now pretty average in the height department.

-You are starting to understand and learn more about the gospel every day. You are VERY curious about Heavenly Father and Jesus and all the things they created and what they're doing in this moment. You sometimes ask questions I don't know how to answer! Very curious little dude.

-You are the sweetest to your sister. You guys could give each other hugs and kisses and dance all day long without a fuss. I love it.

-You are still a mommy's boy but you have a special bond with your dad that is the sweetest thing to me. You want to be just like him, and in most ways you are.

You truly are my little prince and I will forever be thankful for your role in my life. My little buddy, my first born. You bring us so much happiness and we wouldn't be complete without you. You are hilarious, handsome, smart, kind, and wonderful. We love you, Luke. Happy birthday!