The Birthday Girl

Somebody pinch me.
I could swear I just gave birth to a 6 lb. 11 oz., screamin', wiggly, baby girl yesterday.
How could this be?
Ryan is now a headstrong, smarty pants, wiggly four-year-old!
Where did the time go?
We are so proud of her. She is clever, funny, enjoys working on her "preschool" workbook, and very much enjoys being entrusted to do "grownup" tasks. She is very helpful to mommy, and even helps to discipline Ezra. Yeesh.
She is a good big sister and a good minder. She catches on quickly; and is very loving.
She is a night owl, and is great at coming up with excuses as to why it is imperative she get out of bed.
We love this big girl, and couldn't imagine our lives without her in it.

Here she is before her party in her "birthday" shirt. We put this stretchy top on her every year and snap a picture. Should make for a fun collection once she gets older (if she continues cooperating. I wager it might be harder to convince her to play along once she reaches her teens.)

I made owl cupcakes for her friend party. We had 11 little kids over on her actual birthday for a get together. We would have invited more had we been able to fit another little body, but it was chaotic (and fun) as is, so it is just as well.

This is just a taste of the mania that was her party. Oh, just kidding. All the kids were very well-behaved and were good sports about my attempt at a party activity. We made "monster mouths" out of apple slices, peanut butter, and a generous assortment of candy (thanks in large part to our trick-or-treating loot). The kids enjoyed it, hopefully. Thanks for the idea Britney!

And our birthday girl. If the smile looks a little frantic and forced it could be the overload on sweets or the last few days finally catching up to her. We enjoyed a visit from Scott's parents over the previous weekend to start off the festivities. She was treated to Red Robin, flowers, and prezzies. Her favorite being a pillow pet (we finally gave in to her unrelentless begging) pictured behind her in the first photo. Those activities coupled with all the Halloween fun, and it's a wonder she had as much energy as she did. I know I am pooped out. Still.
But she is worth.
Oh is she worth it.
Happy Birthday my baby peanut!
We love you so much!