Samuel turned four on Monday, and we had a wonderful celebration with him Sunday after church. First, his family and closest friends gathered at Ballocity at the Works entertainment complex in Wyomissing, where the kids exhausted themselves playing in the indoor jungle gym. There were lots of rosy cheeks and tousled hair by the end of our time there. We then drove to his house in Womelsdorf where we enjoyed cake and ice cream, and Samuel got to open his presents. It was heartwarming to watch him share his new toys with his brother and friends.

It was a police officer-themed event, as Samuel is enjoying lights, sirens, and catching bad guys these days. On Monday, his actual birthday, we joined him for lunch at the restaurant of his choosing—Chik-fil-A. They had an indoor playground there, too, which may have been a bigger draw for him than the waffle fries.

I love this little guy so much. In fact, one of the biggest joys in my life these days is to hear him (and his brother) call me “Papa.” He is light years beyond “precious” to my heart. Below are some shots from the day, along with a few other miscellaneous pics from last week.