Big Four, Part 1

I'm pretty excited about Riley-girl's fourth birthday. :)  I'm trying to plan something special (because she's so darn special!) while keeping a balance (no bouncy house, circus tents or overly expensive accoutrement). 

But I think I'll still have to break this post into different parts.  First, our morning... 



This week has been spent in prep for the birthday girl.  This morning, when she woke up, she got to walk through this:

Even her grogginess can't totally dull her excitement. :)

And then she got to tear the final link in our countdown chain, so we all knew that it was official: today was the big day!

 

And every birthday girl needs to start her day off right with a special birthday waffle, loaded up with whipped cream and sprinkles!

Daddy comes in with a birthday bite assist.

And fine, I'll admit it, I've had these decorations up for, pretty much, the entire month. 

I didn't want to come down to the day before the party and be driving myself crazy, trying to get everything done.  I mean, tomorrow is her actual party, and I'm pretty sure I'll still be going nuts, getting everything prepped.

It's currently pouring out, accompanied by thunder and lightning.  I swear, if our power goes out, I'll probably break down and cry.  

I Believe in Fairies

Did you know that if you leave your crap around the house for long enough, something magical can happen?  The magic cleaning fairy comes.

If there are piles of laundry that need to be done/folded/put away, if there's nasty hair on the bathroom counter, if there are dishes filling up the sink, if there are toys strewn everywhere, if there's garbage left on the kitchen counters, if there are coats thrown on couches or just over the closet door, if there are sheets that need changing or tubs that need scrubbing, just wait. 

All you have to do is wait long enough and believe hard enough, and all those problems will-- poof!-- disappear.  This happens every now and then (or, more accurately, nearly every day) in our house.  She must tiptoe in when kids are sleeping and husbands are at work.  I'm not sure if she makes appearances at everyone's house, but I recommend you give it a shot... especially if you're a man. ;)  Because I think we all know who the magic cleaning fairy really is: a sucker.

Off to clean! :)

Five Months!

Big Brooks is five months old today!  And, if I may add, he's getting cuter by the moment. :)

Little Man does have talons, though.  Try as I might to trim those nails, he always finds a way to scratch himself.  Sigh.

Meet  the little newsie. :)

His cute tootsies.

Brooks still loves his big sisters more than anyone (except maybe his mom, aka "Cow").  He's a little chatterbox, is super smiley and content, and is finally on a decent nap schedule (whew!).  He loves grabbing things (watch your hair and glasses!), has discovered his feet, and he can scootch himself nearly out of his bouncy seat if not strapped in.  His sisters fight (literally) for his attention, and he just coos and basks in the lovin'. We're excited for him to sit on his own... maybe in the next month?? 

Now tell me-- have you ever seen a more precious little dude?

Three at a Time

It's nearly impossible to get a good picture of all three of the kids at one time.  Sigh.  Some day, maybe... Here's what I got the other day, by Riley's request, believe it or not.

Noelle has the cheese-ball face DOWN. :)

Oh my goodness... look at those girls.  Brooks, clearly, is less than interested. 

Then Riley and Brooks got some one-on-one time.  She's a great big sister.  

Any guesses as to when I'll get a shot of all three of them, looking, smiling, and dressed relatively ok? I'm thinking maybe when Riley's 30.

birthday prep

It's still 8 days until Riley's birthday.  I know this because we have a countdown chain going (that she asks to rip every morning AND after naps AND whenever she feels like asking.  Sorry, kiddo, even if you rip an extra link, it's still the same number of days).  However, since next week is spring break, she got to bring birthday snacks to preschool today.  Oh, and she got to wear a special birthday crown.  And most importantly, she got to rock this 80's-inspired birthday look. 

I'm not going to be wearing them, but I'm kind of digging that splashes of neon that are coming back... but only on small children, I think.  And legwarmers... love them for the girls! :)  You'll be seeing more of them.

Must be Spring

 I went out and bought this year's supply of sidewalk chalk.  I guess it really is spring!

 And I guess I have  little artist.  I think she wants to be like Uncle B. :)

Can you tell what her favorite color is?

Happy Birthday, Papa!

These were from these past weekend, but I'm clearly in a catch-up mode, so here you go!  We celebrated Papa's birthday (side note: both girls love spelling Papa; they scream it out proudly: P-A-P-A!). 

Sisters and a Brother

How could I NOT post these pictures?  Love these kids so much!

 

Seriously, look how big Little Man is getting!!

Ben, our new buddy

Brooks made a new friend yesterday.  His name is Ben.  He's the adorable property of my friend, Linda. :) 

The boys got along spendidly.  This first pic is my favorite.  Ben decided to assert his independence by waiting till his bib was off to spit up.  Brooks couldn't be prouder.

And Brooksy-boy is excited to have someone smaller that he can look after.

I think they're going to be good buddies. :)

It's Spring!!

Yesterday was absolutely gorgeous!!!  So, naturally, we had to be outside as much as humanly possible.  Actually, the girls and I were of the same mindset, thinking, Oh my goodness, we need to take advantage of this because it's been so cold for so long and what if this is just a fluke and what if it's never warm again after this QUICK! Do all the warmweatherstuffnow!!!  

But I woke up this morning and it was still warm so-- phew!-- crisis averted.  Anyway, we had a super fun playdate with Clayton, Aubrey and Celeste yesterday... outside, of course.

I thought Noelle was looking so cute, sitting all alone here.

And Brooks is always cute, even when he's way overdressed in his hat.

Look what we found!!  Flowers!!!

I'm not sure what's happening here, but I would guess it has something to do with Riley, who had no inclination to join Noelle and Clayton on the bench for a picture.

Look at that cheesy grin on the Aubster!  Good to know that Noelle isn't the only one who rocks the cheese-ball face.

Two gorgeous girls.

Okay... I also have a hilarious series of pictures with the four oldest kids, but my iPhoto is being weird... and I wrote this two days ago, so it's time to post it.  I'll get those other pics up soon!