Four

On February 4th, Max and Tyler had their golden birthday and turned 4 years old! They are currently obsessed (I mean, obsessed) with superheroes, so we had a superhero-themed party with family. Nana and Grandpa came in town from South Bend, Molly and the kids came in town from West Lafayette, Courtney came in town from Chicago, and of course Big Jim was there. We had a great time! See below for some pics.

I have told this story many times, but when Max and Tyler were about 4 months old, Andy and I were walking into the grocery in Nashville (each carrying a baby in a pumpkin seat), and this woman stopped us and said, "Oh, I have twins. It gets easier when they're 4." I remember being so annoyed by this at the time because here we were with infant twins -- and life was far from a walk in the park -- and she's telling us we had another 3 1/2 years before it got easier.

I have thought about that conversation a million times since that day. Many moms of twins told me that it got better after the first year -- and I agree (to a certain extent) -- but every stage brought new challenges, and it really never seemed to get any easier. I know this is true for parenthood in general, but there are some very unique challenges that come along with having two children who are going through the exact same developmental phase at the same time. Anyone who has dealt with 2- or 3-year-olds knows they can be irrational and emotional and sort of like a bipolar, ticking time bombs. Now put two of them together -- keeping in mind the intense relationship they have as identical twins -- and just imagine the types of fighting, screaming, and whining that you can get. Oh, and did we get it.

Anyway, back to that lady. Now that our twins are 4, I think it's time to admit that she was right. In the past month or two, it seems like Max and Tyler have really grown up and things are actually a bit easier for us! They are still wild and nonstop and tiring (and boys!) and they definitely still have their tantrum-ish moments, but overall, 4-year-olds are pretty cool.

Now to anyone who has young twins (or is expecting them) who might be reading this, I do think it gets easier along the way -- if for no other reason than you learn how to adjust to your new crazy life! And with the risk of sounding like that annoying lady at the store, I am here to say that it does get easier at 4. So hang in there!

Now for some pics. Happy Birthday, Max and Tyler!! You've come a looooooong way, boys. We love you!

Max (left) and Tyler right before the party

4 years old! (Tyler in blue, Max in gray)

I made them all superhero capes with their initials (even Maisie got one!) Braeden, Nick, Max, Tyler, Caitlin, Maisie

After they got their capes, they attacked the villians (Granpa Sam and Big Jim) with silly string

Spider-man pinata!

Spider-man and Iron Man tattoos too!

For a month or two before their birthday, Tyler kept saying he wanted a monkey cake and Max wanted a race car cake. Of course they changed their mind the week of the party and wanted Spider-man and Iron Man cakes, but Nana had already special ordered the ice cream cakes from DQ, so that's what they got. Adorable though! And sooo good.

Aunt Kooky got them superhero underwear... and told them they should all wear them on their heads.

Spider-man and Iron Man costumes from Big Jim. Happy Birthday, Super Heroes!!