Birthday girl year 4

Sigh. My firstborn is four.

I don't want to overshadow the fact that I am completely thankful and ecstatic to see her turning into a big girl, but there are some sad feelings deep down that I can never get those toddler days back! But---like I've said before--I'm really trying to focus on eNjOyInG each phase as it comes! So let's do it!

Here's a recap of our birthday WEEK. It was alot of fun for this beaut!

I forgot to take a picture (probably because it was 6:30 a.m.), but she awoke to a "grab bag" outside her door of presents from Mommy and Daddy. Next we went to Shipley's per her request for her bday breakfast. Such a sweet little poserSince her bday fell on our Spring Break, we had the whole day to ourselves! We took a trip to Target to pick out a special present from brother. She picked out a PlayDoh "Ice Cream Parlor" set. Here she is with some of her sundae creations:
That night, the fam went out for her bday dinner at again, her choice, Olive Garden. :) She specifically requested the breadsticks and "green chocolate" you get at the end. This chick has never been called shy, but she sure did clam up when they started doing the Olive Garden birthday song. I guess it was a little overwhelming for a four year old!
Our family of four with our daughter of four

Aunt Julia with the two peas in a pod cousins (Thank you, J, for bringing your camera!)

We had so much fun with J&J and Mimi and Gramps. (Mom and Dad were out of town.)

Two days later....it was time to party! Any idea what the theme was? As my dad says, "two guesses and the first one doesn't count". :)

PRINCESS people

We decorated the living room in preparation for our princess friends.

We made a cake

And we prepared a little food...

When everyone arrived, they began work decorating their jewelry boxes.

Smile, princesses!

AnnMarie and her bestie from school, Ella (ahem, "bride" Ariel and Ariel)

Drum roll please....this was the big hit. I had a friend of mine dress as Cinderella and come to surprise the girls (including the birthday one). It has brought my heart so much joy to hear her tell friends and family that "the REAL Cinderella from DW came to my party". I love planning your parties, little one!

***AnnMarie, I am hoping you're not reading this until you're old enough to know that it was not physically possible for Mommy to bring a "real" princess from Disney World, although I realize that's what you're telling everyone right now.

After taking pictures and learning some "princess" dance moves, we took the party outside to enjoy the GORGEOUS day and blow out the candles. All four of them! gah!

yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!!!!!

We had cake and ice cream...

Daddy was there and was Clark's primary guardian for the time being.

Once the cake/ice cream was done, the girls all played on the swing set. So cute to see them going all out in their dresses! Who says you have to wear shorts and tshirts to play?

Let's go!

Swingin on the trapeze!

uh uh uh! There was too a prince there! Greetings, Prince Samuel!

We had such a great time! All twelve little girls were as sweet as they could be and it all went so smoothly. After everyone left, we opened presents. But before we started, I had to ask Daddy to take a picture of me with my big girl.

Get 'em, girl!

Another sigh.

enjoy this phase. enjoy this phase. enjoy this phase. do not be sad.

ok

My darling, beautiful girl! I am SO proud of you and love watching you grow and change. How could you be any smarter? How could you be any sweeter? I love seeing qualities in you (already!) that I wish I had. We have so many fun days and memories ahead of us. Thank you, Lord, for giving me a girl. I did NOT know how badly I needed one. Thank you for giving me AnnMarie. She is EXACTLY what I need in a daughter.

Can't wait to see what year five holds for you!

love, love, and lots more love from mommy, daddy, and bubba