Molly Turns 4!

Molly turned 4 during my most recent (and certainly not last) blogging hiatus. So on her special day I didn't get to put into writing how I felt about my little girl turning 1 year older. Actually I'm not sure that at that time I could have put into words how I feel now that she is 4. For sure, the words would have been different 3 months ago than today. Because today and the last 3 months I've had a chance to watch my sweet girl be 4, and I think now I have a better grasp of what 4 means for her. It certainly does NOT mean baby or anything remotely close! Not that 3 year-olds are babies either, but it wouldn't be so unreasonable for a new 3 year-old to be mistaken for a 2 year-old (especially if she's small) and a 2 year-old, well, practically is still a baby...so when they're 3, it still seems like that baby of old is within arm's reach. But not at 4! No way! There is nothing baby about the funny, sweet, sassy, strong-willed, independent girl who lives at this house! And that is not a bad thing at all. I am excited for what age 4 will bring Molly's way. She finally has her own "stuff" to look forward to! Dance, swim lessons, pre-school--so many doors of opportunity will open for her this year! And whereas Grayson has always been our cautious one--stepping sometimes one toe at a time over the lines--Molly is more likely to jump with both feet all at once over each threshold! And that is so right about her. And what I love about her. (At the same time though, I don't know where the girl came from...what with that daring, no holds barred approach to life...She's so NOT like me! Ha! Ha!)

But also, at the same time, in my most honest moments, I do admit to myself that I miss that baby. A lot. I guess because she's the youngest and now that she isn't a baby, there is no baby. And that doesn't quite seem "normal" yet...

But then I look at my girl, and I know that I'd never wish to go backwards with her. And I can't wait to go forward because I'm pretty darn sure that with her, it's going to be one fun ride!

A newish tradition at our house--birthday doughnuts! Powdered sugar ones, of course.



Opening presents before school and work.


A special birthday lunch with her special BFF.

These 2 were too cute! And boy did they milk that lunch! They must have known that naptime was on the horizon because they both ate every. last. bite. And took over an hour to do so! Ha!

That evening we surprised M with her gift from us--a new bike. No more Hot Wheels brand hand-me-down. No sirree. This bike is nothing but pink and purplicious all over!

Already a pro.

Then it was off to 3rd St. Mexican for dinner...

Sweet sis had a good day...and went to bed dreaming of mermaids...

For that Saturday was party day! Check out my Ariel cake!!!

"Under the sea..."

Limbo, anyone?

Miss M had some moves!

Carter said, "No thanks." :)

But Neighbor Rich gave it a whirl...

How low can you go?...

Sweet friends.

Happy Birthday, Molly Girl!!! We love you so much!

(**After cake, we and many of Molly's best buddies hightailed it to the swimming pool to finish out a super fun Under the Sea themed party! Thanks, friends, for making it so special!)