Conner's four...and FULL of energy!

In early August we all got together to celebrate Conner Shelton Payne as he turned four. The time is going oh-so fast, but maybe that's because these little ones keep us on our toes.

We got to Conner's house a little early and he was so excited to see us. He was running all over the house, showing us his toys and laughing non-stop. Then he got his mower out and the fun REALLY started! :)



Before we knew it, Kyle's parents arrived and it was time for us to head to the Douglass pool for a little swimming. I hadn't planned to get in, but it was pretty warm and who wants to sit out in the heat when everyone else is splashing around in the pool?! Plus, it was tons of fun to be able to play with the kids and help them go down the slide and splash in the water.

These two had to relax a little after a stressful drive in. They aren't the most patient drivers. :)

They had toys to play with at the pool, and Conner had a blast playing with this one. 

Little miss Ella floated around looking very stylish in her sun hat.

Henry was brave and went down the slide! 

And, unfortunately, Kyle did, too. He thinks he's a big kid most of the time. 



Tossing around the birthday boy! 


Ella needed a little break so she got to hang out with Nana and Papa. 



The whole gang. Minus our photographer, Jerilyn, of course! 

Then it was back to the house for some present opening and cake eating. It was a Paw Patrol party, but Conner got lots of dinosaur-themed gifts. (He loves Jurassic Park.)  Even though he'd been going non-stop since we got there, he still had plenty of energy to play with his cousins and could barely sit still for the slideshow. Jerilyn puts one together each year with pictures of him since last year's party. It's so fun to see how he's changed in just 12 short months. He looks like a little man nowadays and has made so many advancements since starting preschool. We are so proud to be his aunt and uncle, and hope this year brings lots more laughter and fun.

Happy birthday, Conner. We love you! Thank you for inspiring us with your energy and love for life!

Grandma Fox got to soak up some love from Ella while we waited for the birthday boy to dig into his presents. 

And Ella showed us how she could take some very fast steps! I should have gotten a video.


Stacie made Conner's cake again this year and it was delicious. 


Henry just had to show Uncle Brad how his party horn worked. 

Aunt Jerilyn and Ella

Trying to get these two to stop being silly and pose for the camera is pretty much impossible these days! 

Forget about the expensive gifts; all this boy needs for entertainment is a balloon. 


By the end of the day, we were pooped, and so was Oliver. He usually doesn't sleep on the way home, but he made himself comfortable and dozed off just outside of town. It was so cute while it lasted...

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