In Which My Beautiful, Amazing First-born Turns FOUR!

E's first friend party at our favorite park.

This look is, "Really? A picture? Can't I just eat it, Mom?"
Four is very good, very good indeed.

Parade of Party Princesses.
We have no pictures of E running off with the first gift she opened, princess shoes, to try on in her bedroom, in front of the hall mirror, show to all the people waiting in the living room, twirl with, sound check on the tile, admire in the hall mirror while twirling and finally the running test.
And so it went with each gift.

She stopped mid-gift to check herself out in the dress... again.This is what happens to cute hair when scraped through the opening of a trampoline enclosure. I can't help but wonder if that's how Flock of Seagulls did it, too.

This is my cousin's son. He plays football, wrestles and makes disgusting body noises for fun. He also helps little girls into their princess gowns.
He's a pretty special kid!
Supergirl gets quiet and a little shy while we sing.

A makes an appearance with my aunt.

Cousins. And pink forks.
Which will remain in our family for many parties to come.
Because my mother washed them.
Yes Mom, they are very nice, durable forks.

Oh the birthday joy!

Belated Halloween Pictures

A as Tootsie RollE playing the part of Fairy Princess.
(note the wand and the very serious pose)

This is the very first time in her life she touched pumpkin guts knowing it would be icky since that fateful carving day just before she turned one and the slimy string stuck to her fingers. Not even peer pressure could break her down at preschool last year. She's nearly four people! This year I put my foot down and said, "If you want a Jack-O-Lantern (and she really did) you'll have to scoop the guts out yourself!"

There are 2 plates of spider and web cupcakes just to the right of the children. Yes, they were delicious, but that's not why I mention them. Little A knew we weren't paying attention, stuck her fingers in the icing and that's why the best picture I have of both girls in their costumes has a wand flying out at you and a frowning baby. Not the Kodak moment I was trying to achieve.

The State Fair

Every year we try to get to the State Fair, it's something the husband and I have done every year since we've been married. Mostly, we just enjoy the carnival atmosphere (translated: food). We've taken E since she was tiny, and this is A's first visit.

The tiny little dot is my daughter's head....
and she LOVED it!

She rode these last year, so it was no big deal.

In a sad little ironic twist, the hatching chick exhibit was sponsored by Tyson.

A's learned to kiss on request, we all enjoy the benefits!

Cause that's how I roll...

This is the 2nd year they've had a giant indoor sandbox.
No money required, just some fun for the kids while the grown-ups rest a little.

I don't find anything remarkable about the teacup ride other than the fact we've probably all been on it - maybe even this exact one.
I just had to share because she's pretty!

E's first REAL roller coaster!
No parents - no fear.

I was trying to capture her excitement from the coaster, and while this isn't her initial reaction, I think it speaks volumes!

We had a blast in the unusually warm October sun!

O September

The house is (reasonably) clean, the girls are asleep, and the husband has commandeered the TV for NASCAR. Seems like a good time to catch up!

Swimming at our local water park.

After fifteen minutes of trying to teach E to swim, I leave her with my mother for about 2. This is the child swimming.

First day of Preschool.

First impressions - at least nothing bled.

Bear's eye view at our zoo on member's night.

A-doring aunts watching the "roll over"

She sits!

Some traditions should be passed on early.
Morning cartoons... check.

Hay.

Horseback riding through a vineyard with Grahmi.
Makes next week's sleepover look pretty lame.

The Zoo!

There were some lovely kids from Japan visiting our zoo this day. Our E is so incredibly outgoing she charmed the pictures right out of them! With her blond hair and blue eyes, she's the typical American girl!

She's touching the tortise!
I am SO jealous.

It's difficult to tell who's looking at who here.
Ever been stared down by a meerkat?

Yep. Got up there all by herself.

Daddy takes few pictures... we celebrate the really good ones!

A was there - this proves it!

Flamingos actually pose!
Who wouldn't take this photographic opportunity after chasing a preschooler all day?

Three and a half

Months...

Years...

What a world of difference now. In the blink of an eye, the years won't matter!

A First Fourth

This alert and slightly worried look was too funny! After staring for a minute, she went back to her TV show.

Do you know how hard it is to get 2 wiggly kids to smile in the direction of the camera at the same time? Of course you do! What am I thinking?

Too big to lay down. To small to sit up.
A does a great job of faking it while she watches Oprah.
Couldn't tear her eyes away despite Mom's best attempts!

A's new trick! Really aids in another favorite pastime...
licking my cousin.

Patriotic Birthday

My Birthday is around the 4th.

Isn't it nice the entire nation celebrates with me?
E put the candles on my cake - Cherry inside and out!

Daddy is a (very handsome) veteran. This year he took part in our church's Patriotic Service. We all looked the part!

E's practicing her "Fiona" pose. (Shrek) In case you were wondering, after much testing, the dress twirls nicely.

Nothing but smiles these days :)