Winnie's 4th

I can't even believe my girl is four. She is growing into such a sweet girl...so sassy and smart and dramatic and the lover of all things "girly." She loves fiercely and wears her emotions on her sleeve. She loves snuggling, singing, dancing, baking with me, reading books, working in her art center, playing with her babies, and swinging. I can hardly believe it's already been four years, but also can't really remember life without her. She is such a firework in my life. 

On Wednesday, Winifred had her "Birthday Star" day at school. I spent the whole morning there with her. What a blessing her school, teachers, classmates, and families have been to us this year! I was so humbled to have her sweet 3K class celebrate her in such a loving way. She had this ridiculous hat, a birthday necklace that she made in the morning, and was the special star all day. 

We brought in a special snack...banana mini muffins and juice boxes. 

Singing with Mrs. Heinemann

On her actual birthday, I planned a day-long celebration. She got to choose a few friends and special outings she wanted to share with them. She has such special little friendships, and it was so precious to see Winnie and her friends enjoy each other. I had a great day spending time with these kids. But, it was a long and exhausting day for both of us. I hope that it's a day she'll remember for a long time. 

This is going down in our elevator. She wanted a photo of her all fancy in her new dress.

First stop was breakfast at First Watch with Eden. They both had chocolate chip waffles, fruit, and orange juice. They had such a fun time laughing together and agreed that their chocolate chip waffles were most delicious.

After breakfast, we dropped off Eden at home, then headed over to pick up Lucy for manicures and pedicures. This was the thing Winnie was most excited about. They were completely delighted that the ladies put jeweled flowers on their thumbnails. Lucy is a cute little spit-fire. She had Winnie and I in stitches all morning. 

Sweet little fingers

After a morning at the salon, we were ready for lunch with Eric at Fitz's. Andy even came along for this one. While we waited for our table, they were able to watch the bottling of the root beer.

What a cute little duo! (Eric would not want me to say "couple.") I told Andy that they'd never be able to go to prom together, because in the 100 shots I got of them, not one featured both of them smiling. This was the best one I could get!

What goofballs! They hardly ate lunch because they filled up their bellies with so much pink lemonade. 

Eric kept the conversation going talking about his grandpa's vintage Corvette, and at one point Winnie asked, "Eric, could you please stop talking about Corvettes?" Hilarious.

After dropping Eric and Andy back off, Winnie and I headed over to school to pick up Sonya. We took her home to pick up her overnight bag(!), then decided we needed a little Yo My Goodness. Since it was a birthday celebration, I allowed the above yogurt/candy/I don't even know what to happen. 

This photo cracks me up...Sonya told Winnie to pose like a "serious model." The girls went with me to buy balloons and the cake, and to pick up Rush from Gramma's house.

Her final "friend choice" was inviting Albert and Hope over for pizza and cake. She also invited "her" friend Stephen. Beau and Aaron came as well, so we ordered Imo's and had fruit and salad and this Barbie princess cake that Winnie thought was the most beautiful thing she'd ever seen.

About to blow out the candles. One of Eric's gifts for her was this Ariel mermaid dress, so she clearly had to wear it for the party.

Our kids love movies, so she was thrilled to get Lady and the Tramp. 

Winnie and Stephen. These two are like peas in a pod.

Sonya getting to spend the night was a huge thing...a first for both of them. This was taken "the morning after." What a fun birthday!