Peter Pan Birthday Party

I wanted to make a cool cake for Natalie's birthday and found one in Hello, Cupcake that I thought looked easy enough for a first attempt:  the crocodile.  Natalie saw Peter Pan at a dinner theater with Dusty's parents in August and has been an avid fan ever since and so between these two factors, it was the perfect recipe for a Peter Pan themed birthday party.  Dusty and I made the cupcakes together the night before and had it set up on the table for her to see first thing.  She was excited so that made me happy.

Natalie got to invite three friends.  Two of them are sweet sisters:

Eloise and Naomi

And her good friend, Phillip

I use the words Peter Pan birthday party loosely.  We did create some themed games but the kids didn't know any better.  We played Tick Tock hide and seek where we hid a ticking timer and the kids had to find it.  Then we played pin the X on the treasure map.  And finally we read one of Natalie's books called Birthday Zoo.

And then we ended with cupcakes.  I think it went successfully and the kids seemed to have a good time.

Natalie was happy that Grandma and Grandpa could be a part of the celebration too.

It is still hard to believe that she is three.  I know I will be saying that every year.

Birthday Day

On birthday morning we started out by opening presents first thing.  Natalie found these two balloons at the end of her bed when she woke up which was pretty exciting she said.

Of course very first we sang to the birthday girl--she gets a little shy when you sing the b-day song to her.

Maggie being excited about birthday gifts too.

We had a special breakfast of eggs, toast, and bacon as requested by Natalie and then we got ready to go swimming, one of Natalie's favorite things to do.

After naps, yes, even three year old princesses need naps, we got ready and went to the Macaroni Grill for dinner.  Mom thought this would be a fun place to go since you get to color on the tables and they have yummy bread.  Bread.  That's about all the girls ate.  Not as fun as mom hoped it would be.  I guess we should have taken her to Cane's.

You are a beautiful, kind girl and we are thankful to celebrate three years with you.  Love watching you grow up.  XXOO

Three Cheers For Natalie!

Baby Natalie

 One year old Natalie

Two year old Natalie

Three year old Natalie

One of the things I love about you at three years old, Natalie, is that you are so kind and considerate to others.  Everyone is equal and valuable in your beautiful brown eyes.  Happy Birthday, sweetheart!

Wordless Wednesday

Growing Up

 March 2010--7 mo.

December 2010--16 mo.

So after I posted this, I thought I should explain a little.  The outfit that Maggie is wearing is the same.  It's size 12 months to which she started fitting into around 7 months old.  It's a supposed to be more of a dress but I've kept it around and now it is more like a shirt on her. : )

Do you like my hat?

"I do!  What a hat!  I like it!  I like that party hat!"

Thankful for this sweet friend!

"Good-by!"

O Christmas Tree

Thanksgiving weekend we took our annual trek to Bender's Tree Farm to cut down our Christmas tree.

Natalie enjoyed tromping through the snow down the hillside, but does it surprise you that Maggie was not as enthusiastic?

I will treasure these next three photos as long as I live.  They remind me how challenging life can seem for a one year old, well this one year old at least.  I hope, Maggie, that one day you will love our family traditions and perhaps next year, it will be you leading us through the snow and trees.

 Natalie improvising for a lack of Kleenexes.

Maggie was a much happier, more willing participant once we gave her a snack.

 The chosen one.

Natalie got to help Dusty cut it down.

Speechless.

Loaded up and ready to take her home.

 The finished product.

Happy Holidays to everyone!

Codependent

Each of my girls has had a lovey, or "Nigh Night" as it's called by them, since they were babes.  It has been a wonderful and successful signal for sleep and a soothing comforter.  Natalie has only ever needed it for just that: sleep.  However, Maggie is definitely exhibiting some codependence.  In vain I've been trying to establish specific boundaries for having it (ie. bedtime).  I used to put it on the closet shelf to keep it clean and to keep it from getting lost but Maggie will go into her room crying and pointing up, begging for me to surrender it.  Even when I've put it in a different place she stands crying at the closet so that I know what she wants.  She will also walk around the house crying until I give in.  Now it's become one of those things that I don't leave home without!  Otherwise I'm in for a screaming car ride.  I picture her with her Nigh night on the first day of Kindergarten, her first slumber party, hanging from the rearview mirror of her first car, secretly hidden under her wedding dress!!!  Oh sweet Maggie, you can be extreme and there is no gray area with you, purely black or white. I wish it didn't feel like the end of the world when you don't have your Nigh night, but I love the snuggles I get from you when you hold it to your nose, rubbing it and inhaling deeply while sucking your thumb.  Long live the Nigh night (well as long as it keeps you happy and me sane for right now.)