My Birthday Girl

Today is the 4th birthday of our youngest daughter!! At the risk of sounding cliche, wherever does the time go? I can hardly believe how big she has gotten or how grown-up she seems every time I look at her. No longer my baby girl, that's for sure.

I didn't want to have a big party this year (it always keeps the kids from having fun when there are too many unfamiliar faces anyway) and instead of a physical gift, we gave her a night out on the town.

First stop, the salon, where a friend styled her hair in curls, painted her nails and gave her a bit of make-up too. Despite the face the gave her, she was thrilled about it.

Next we stopped for dinner and split appetizers and seafood. She even got to blow out a candle on her dessert. I convinced her to try a few new foods too which is always a plus.

For the grand finale, we saw The Nutcracker Ballet at Hoyt Sherman. I wasn't sure how she would do, but she sat through the entire 2 hours completely in awe, asking me questions about what was going on throughout the show. It was pure magic.

The best part was listening to her recap the story when we got home. "There was a big cheese and the mouse tried to get it but then he got shot." "The little girl was so scared and the monsters tried to get her." "They danced and spinned and they had pretty dresses!"

At home we had a little party with immediate family and chocolate cakes with raspberry buttercream frosting. Yum!

Not sure if you saw the crown that Elizabeth Kartchner made for her daughter's bday but it is the most precious thing and I just had to make one for Rora too. I'll try to take better photos and post those tomorrow.

The girls also both went to get their ears pierced on Saturday night! Both cried for about 5 mins but then were fine. They both said it was worth the pain and can't stop admiring their new bling in the mirror.

Oh my gosh, this is the longest post ever. But I will never ever tire of the girliness these girls bring into our life. That's all.