Fabulous & Finally Four!

It has been a long week waiting for the "BIG" day! Ryan has been so excited about his birthday. He absolutely loves birthdays. They can be anyone's birthday, he is one that loves cake and ice cream. It was an exhausting day, but a great one as we spent it together as a family! We started off the morning with a hike to the Pinnacles. We hiked for approximately 2 1/2 hours. Let's say that it was a tough hike on us all and it was quite humid - ugh. While hiking, Rylee was concerned about bears while Ryan was asking if he would see a walrus. I wish that we could say that we saw both, but sadly we did not! We saw lots of other neat things, however. We just took our time to observe the nature around us (what a great excuse to catch our breath and rest our aching bodies). We found a centipede, watched butterflies, found a bright green fly looking bug, and observed a tiny ant carry off a huge dry pea snack that one of the kids dropped. Mike found a nut shell and convinced the kids that it was a pig's nose. He then proceeded to tell them that the pig took it off so that he could go play with his friends just like Ryan takes his BAHA off when he is playing rough. Mike told them that they should leave it where they found it so that the pig would be able to find it. Yes, the Costanzas are gullible. So, on the way down the mountain we were on the lookout for the pig. Umm... We didn't see him either. After our hike, we headed straight to the movie theater to see "UP". From there, Ryan's dinner request was Faz*l*'s. He filled up on his fettuccine alfredo and bread sticks and then was more than ready to head home as he knew there were presents and cake waiting there for him. So, the partying continued. A little turtle cake, ice cream, and presents!! Ryan had no hesitation blowing out the candles and I am sure his wish will come true. Now for a few pictures ....