Her Party

So, this party was a big deal for me.  It was the first, first birthday that I've made it to where I wasn't carrying a sister in my tummy!  This was a two-fold celebration for me and I wanted to do it a little bigger than what I was able (read - felt like) doing for the first two.  Sorry HC and Maddie if you feel slighted one day....I'll make it up to you!

Absolutely would not have been able to pull off any of it without the help of my amazing sister (and Pinterest!).  So thankful for our time spent together working on the details - laughing and talking while worked!  Such fun times and makes me so thankful my girls have each other the way I have her!

Get ready for picture over-load......

Birthdays especially remind me just how thankful I am for our friends and family that support us and love on our girls!

Now, when it came time to eat the cake...Emma Ann did not disappoint!  She was our best cake eater yet....by far!

Please notice that Maddie is near by to "help"!

Now she's getting it figured out!!

And finally, this is what we like to call "cake coma"!

All cleaned up.  Love these four!

And to round out the night we had a little fun with some sparklers!

I had to include this because Dr. Nebrig was the most b.o.r.i.n.g sparkler participant I've ever witnessed!

Now Shands on the other hand - the most Cool!

And AJ the most brave!

Ultimately, I think it was a great night and perfect way to celebrate this most precious girl.

Happy Birthday Emma Ann!

Happy First Birthday Emma Ann!

   

My dear Emma Ann,

How could it be that you are already one year old? I can remember like yesterday giggling when I learned that you would be joining our family - how could we have been such lazy planners.....again!! But God knew better than us and He knew that our family needed you and His timing is always perfect! The news of your impending arrival came at a time when we needed some happy news and for that I will always be greatful! You are a true light and joy. Your sisters just delight in you and are so happy to have you around. I can see the bonds of sisterhood forming and it is so much fun to watch. I see bits of both of their personalities in you - laid back like Hannah Cate at times and then spunky like Maddie at other times. In truth, you are just the perfect you! You make our family complete and I couldn't imagine life any other way than with you in it. I love you sweet baby girl and am so thankful that you are mine!

Always,

Mama

Hannah Cate's Birthday Party

Hannah Cate has been talking about this birthday party since September of last year!  She's had her heart set on a pool party and everytime we drove by the pool where she wanted to have her party....she reminded us "that's where I want to have my party next year".  And I mean EVERY time we drove by, which was quite frequently.  At least there was no guess work!

We were all geared up and I was pretty excited about getting to just show up with minimal decorations, some pool toys and food. 

A couple of hours before the party was supposed to start, it because pretty obvious that the weather was not going to cooperate.  We gave it our best shot and even headed towards the pool in hopes that the rain might hold off, but on our way we saw a big bolt of lightening.  Hannah Cate was so gracious and never even shed a tear.  We just moved the party to our house and made the best of it.  I think she still had a great time!

Happy Birthday Hannah Cate!

Tonight at dinner I asked Hannah Cate some questions so that we could remember her at this age.

Where is your favorite place to go: The park and anywhere else I want to go.

What is your favorite thing to eat: Chicken and rice

What is your favorite fruit: Strawberries and green beans

What is your favorite thing to drink: Sprite and water

What is your favorite thing to do with Daddy: Go to the pool

What is your favorite thing to do with Mommy: Go on dates with just Mommy

What is your favorite song: Mary had a Little Lamb

What do you like most about Maddie: Well, I don't really like Maddie because she hits me. (Ouch!)

With a little more prodding, can't you think of something you like about Maddie: I like when we go to the pool together because then she is sweet to me.

What do you like most about Emma Ann: I love her because she is the baby!

What is your favorite bible verse: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

Who is your best friend: Alivia and I really like to play with Owen and Avery.

What is your favorite thing to do outside:  Play with chalk

What is your favorite present your got for your birthday:  Chutes and Ladders, Candyland and Fancy Nancy games.

We are so thankful for your precious life and that you made us parents four years ago on this day!  We love you sweet girl!

Wordless Wednesday

Can you tell who provides the comic relief around here???

F.O.U.R

I just can't believe she's about to be four!

Where oh where did the time go?

Sarah's Nanny

Today, on Mother's Day, I had the following conversation with Hannah Cate: 

I said, "Come here Emma Ann."

Hannah Cate intercepts her as she crawls over to me and says, "No, she's my baby and her name is Sarah."

Me: "Oh, if you are her Mommy, then who am I?"

HC: "You are the Nanny!"