Four and Fabulous

In our house, once Christmas is over, the countdown to Kate's birthday begins. After weeks of asking, "How many days until my birthday" and endless party planning, the big day arrived. So what did we do? We partied, of course!!

We partied in the morning before Jonah left for school (he couldn't stand it and had to wake her up--which she didn't mind). On the menu: powdered doughnuts and Lucky Charms. Who needs nutrition on their big day?
We partied with presents! Littlest Pet Shop, a princess doll, and some dollhouse furniture brought shrieks of delight. And of course there were the dress-up clothes...

Tinkerbell...

and Fancy Nancy. Didn't I say that four was fabulous?

We clowned around at Music Makers...

Lincoln got in the act as well. It's a circus theme this month and the kids love it.

That night Kate's dinner of choice was Chick-fil-A. We all know that it was mostly for the fun playground, but their food isn't too shabby, either. As the following photgraph proves, Lincoln literally stuffed himself with chicken.

Lincoln is big into stuffing these days, but not so into swallowing. I think the fries would still be in there if it hadn't been for the call of the playground. We told him he couldn't play with food in his mouth, so he finally spit it out and went gleefully on his way.
My thoughts were that this year we might take a couple of friends to a movie in loo of a birthday party. Amidst the tears of agony that I got in reponse, I relented and began preparations for a ballerina party of magnificent proportions. We didn't invite too many boys because all the activities were pretty girly (Kate planned many of them herself).

I made the all the little girls pink tutus, so I had them come in leotards and they were just too cute. We started out by reading "Angelina Ballerina" and then did some ballet moves in our family room. Let's just say there was a lot of twirling going on.

Next the kids made candy necklaces. Kate didn't even cry when I dropped hers and undid all her hard work (the candy was still good which apparently was all that really mattered).

Next we did nails and makeup. Kate did everything by herself, so I'm not sure if that is sparkly eyeshadow or nail polish on her cheek. This was a hit with the girls, but the boys did some "shaving" and then started on lunch.

This is the best shot I got of all the girls in their tutus, minus my little niece who I'm sure was off exploring somewhere.

Finally we had cupcakes, which were topped with lots of pink icing, pink sprinkles, and white pearls. She had to blow her candles out twice because Jonah was a little too helpful the first time. The party was a big success and Kate was very happy, which is what was most important.

So what is so great about Kate now that she is four?

---She is girly to the core.

---She still likes me to snuggle with her and carry her around (which I admit gets annoying, but sometimes I like it)

---She loves to dance and sing, especially original songs. Her new thing to do with Jonah is to make up "plays" which can be pretty cute.

---She's always into accessorizing and has a new love for makeup which I am trying to reign in

---She loves Joy School, dance class, and Music Makers

---Her ideal diet would be cheese, yogurt, fruit snacks, and Lucky Charms

---She still loves princesses and Dora, and has added Wizard of Oz and Barbie movies

---She loves Primary

---She is a wonderful sister and very helpful to mommy every day.

I am so blessed to be Mommy to such a sweet and special girl.

Happy birthday to my favorite four-year-old!

Got Tongue?

Wii had a Rockin Christmas

Ask...

And you shall receive.

Christmas 2009 was much anticipated around the Shirts home. While Kate requested a plethora of girly items and Lincoln was content with his sippy cup of milk, Jonah has been longing and hoping and pleading and wishing on every shining star for his own Rock Band. Thankfully, he was a very good boy this year and his wish was granted. Santa was tricky, though. He put the stockings downstairs in the family room but set the Wii (which was given to Mom and Dad--all right!) and the Rock Band up in the playroom upstairs. After unstuffing the stockings I could tell that Jonah was wondering where his Rock Band might be, but he started heading to the living room to check under the Christmas Tree. Micah went to "check on something" upstairs and alerted the kids that they had better come quick. The response was priceless. And as you can tell, it didn't take long for the whole family to get into the spirit of things. Ahhhhh...I can still hear "Eye of the Tiger" now.

There were plenty of other gifts stocked under the tree. Mom got some clothes, Dad got Bocce Ball, and Lincoln got some more sippy cups (he was really excited.) Jonah and Kate got Snuggies and were giddy with glee. Seriously, they almost rivaled what Santa brought them. Finally, a way to stay warm and still have your arms free!! (If only I had taken photos...bummer).

Here's Jonah with his prize possession. He started with his beloved drums, then tried out the microphone. Recently he's hooked on the guitar. Kate likes to sing "Eye of the Tiger" on "hard" (thank goodness for No Fail mode) and play the drums, but of course after a few frames she is tired and wants someone to help her. Lincoln, who has always loved hitting things, is a drummer all the way. Just watch your head.

Did I mention that Lincoln loves his sippy cup? While he perked up to open some of his gifts, he quickly found a spot on the chair and sucked away. The only thing missing is his beloved blanky.

Don't worry, Santa didn't forget everyone else. Katie got a new kitchen to replace our crumbling $2 yard sale special. Kate jumped right in and started cooking up a storm.

Lincoln was rockin' himself on his rocking horse. It was saved from the Island of Misfit Toys by Santa and Rudolph and found a new home with us. Lincoln loves it, and he's always pushing it around the house.
So, yeah, our Christmas really rocked. And by the look on Kate's face, we might have partied a little too hard. Here's to a jammin' 2010.