Party Prep (AKA longest post ever)

Last year we skipped out on a big party for Halle Claire. It just seemed like we had a lot going on. We had just brought Kerrigan home in January, after a long crazy pregnancy and NICU stay. Anyhow, I was just worn out and didn't have the energy to put anything together. We just ended up doing two small family parties for her. I really don't think she noticed, but I knew that this year I wanted to do something big for her. We have attended several birthday parties at Pump It Up, and always have had a great time . . . so we decided that would be a good place for her 4th birthday bash! Even though Pump It Up makes it pretty easy to host a party, there was still a little prep work to be done. Halle had decided that she wanted to wear a tutu for her princess party, so my mom graciously made those for the girls. I think they turned out nicely! I really love the satin sash!

I had Karen Norman make birthday shirts for the girls (which were perfect!)

The White Market's Princess bottle cap bow was perfect as well!

We stuffed goodie bags, and ordered the largest, tackiest (oops, I mean most beautiful) Disney Princess cake we could find. HC picked it out all by herself from the Publix bakery. :)

Not too much work . . . it was nice. We enjoyed a wild night of bouncing and sliding!

To celebrate with her preschool class, I made princess cupcakes. I think the princess toppers were a hit! (found this little kit at Williams-Sonoma)

And finally for her actual birthday, we went to church and the headed out to the zoo afterward. It was a nice day together! I can't believe my baby is 4!

Happy 4th Birthday Halle Claire!!!

Four whole years . . . Wow!!! How did that happen??? Sweet Halle, I'm so thrilled God allowed me to be your mommy! You are witty, so smart, fun, loving, and opinionated . . . you keep us on our toes, but we wouldn't have it any other way!

We love you from the very depths of our hearts! Thank you for an amazing fours years! We pray nothing but God's very best for all of your years to come. Happy Birthday, Sweet Girl!

Love, Mommy and Daddy

What are you up to these days?

* You no longer take naps. Probably haven't for about the past 6 months.

* You go to bed around 8 pm and wake around 7:15 am.

* You still LOVE to drink milk! You would live off of it if we would let you.

* You love to go to school!

* You take ballet and tap on Tuesday afternoon and seem to really be enjoying it!

* Daddy has been showing you flash cards of certain words for about a month - you can recognize about 35 words.

* Kerrigan loves you, and you are a GREAT big sister. You love her, and are very sweet with her.

* Your best friends are Ellie Hogan and Jackson Smith.

* Purple is your favorite color!

* You're wearing a size 4t in clothes, and a size 10 shoe.

* You are all girl - you love jewelry, dress up, purses, nail polish, princesses, etc. It lots of fun!

* You are a good girl, and a good helper - we are still working on perfecting your listening skills at times though. :)

* Painting, coloring, drawing, and working through pre-school workbooks are favorite pastimes of yours.

* You still sleep in a toddler bed, but mommy and daddy have been looking all over town for the perfect "bed with a ladder" for you!

* As of today, you no longer use a sippy cup. Only regular "big girl" cups for you.