The Bates Family: Braedyn is FOUR!

We started celebrating Braedyn's birthday on Friday at school! He has wanted a "witch cake" for a LONG time, as The Wizard of Oz is his all time favorite movie. So, when he saw this cake at Walmart he did a little dance around the bakery in delight!

That night, Allen and I put streamers over his door and hung candy from them! It was so cute to see him bust through in the morning!

Before breakfast, we gave him his presents. And, after waiting two long years, he received his iPod Touch!

That afternoon, we were SO excited to celebrate Braedyn's BIRTHDAY! He had decided that he wanted his party at Krispy Kreme--where the kids could all make their own donuts. And we let him talk us into a pinata at the park afterwards. Here are the kiddos before Braedyn's guests arrived:

And, here they are with Emily and David! They were sweet enough to come extra early and help us set up (and stay late to help us clean up)!

Wow-and this never happens...a FAMILY picture!

Once all the kiddos arrived, we started the "behind the scenes" tour! The kids got to learn about all the machines and feel the donut dough. They were all super excited!

Then, it was time to decorate their donuts! Each guest got to dip their donut into the hot swirling chocolate bucket, and then dump as many sprinkles as they wanted on top! Here is chef B-Man in action!

And, the princess did a fabulous job on hers too!

Since the kids were already on a sugar high from the donuts, we decided to make a "donut cake" for Braedyn. I thought it looked adorable!

Then, it was time to light the candles on the birthday "cake" and sing to the birthday boy!

He made a big wish, and blew out all his candles!

He almost ate the entire "cake"!

After everyone was chocked-full of sugar we all loaded up and headed to the park down the street to open presents and do the long awaited pinata! We were so lucky to be surrounded by so many wonderful family members and friends! A BIG thanks for all of his amazing gifts!