Bits of Four

 So big. Yet next year I will probably look at these and think, "Oh, so small."
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 This past week we did things like: Swung with grandparents, got blown with air compressors from uncles {who also, it turns out, build wooden pirate ships upon request}, got scooped up by aunts, met aunties with super adorable visiting nieces at the park...


...and celebrated that three year-old who begrudgingly had my permission to go on and turn four. As is tradition Maddie got to choose how to spend the day of her birth and, since we had already upped the ante with a quick visit to NC, all she wanted was to play hopscotch and in some water. I threw in cinnamon rolls for breakfast and her favorite noodles with white sauce for lunch. We usually don’t do more than one party, but all that cook-out chocolate cake amazingness is simply Nana's doing.  The cordless phone in Madd's hand?  Why Daddy singing with us, of course.

Her day left us pretty full.

It was a big week and with that I think we’ve squeezed just about every traveling bit of excitement out of the month of July. By the time we got back home and had Maddie’s little party with girlfriends, I’d say we tapped the last drop. Now that there are some low key days at home stretched out in front of us, I am actually excited about feathering our nest again.

But first, our girl who loves flowers and digging and decorating and twirling and all things feminine. She had herself a garden party and invited just a few local friends-- two littles from ballet, one from Bible School, and two we met just after we moved here. All of them so sweet and precious, including a most favorite Liberty student and another family with three older girls who are special to us as well.

Our little sprite and her bits of four:

 

Blackberry chip mini muffins, ham and cheese bites,  red potato salad, Peter Rabbit's carrots, chocolate and sprinkled strawberries, grapes, garden pasta salad, dilly deviled eggs, little Cottontails (Cheddar Bunnies), and fairy flower dirt cakes for dessert.:)

One of my favorite parts of party day is when the dust settles and we are back to the five of us, investigating new gifts and reliving memories. This year I got to watch our butterflies and fairies twirl and run and play as I straightened up around them. Then it was an early bedtime for three worn out, partying travelers.

Madison Elise, 

You are loved and cherished. You are both hilarious and sensitive, beautiful and smart, full of emotion and life. You have such a unique way of thinking about things and expressing yourself. You are quick to feel sorry if you are in the wrong and quicker still to give hugs and kisses. We have loved your heart since the moment you were put into our arms. As evidence of this at four, when Nana gave you a beautiful mermaid doll you promptly named her "Lovely to My Heart." This is so you, sweet one.

This past year you loved ballet, reading, dresses or skirts, sidewalk chalk, and playing with play doh or Legos or Polly Pockets. Your art skills took off, you conquered potty training, and you have recently decided you really want to read all by yourself. You have also overcome many health challenges so, by God’s grace, you are strong and healthy. Hoping this is your best year yet! 

Lovely to Our Hearts,
 Daddy and Mama