Callie's 4th Birthday

Say it slowly..."You have a four year old."

It is true, there is 100% no denying it.  Callie turned four in the blink of an eye...except I was there to see it, I have been there to remember these four precious years that I would not give back for ANYTHING in the world!  Her laugh, her giggles, her words of wisdom, her sweet innocence and kind - ever so kind - heart.

Callie wanted to have a Strawberry Shortcake themed birthday party with her friends!  Such wonderful friends she has too :)  I really hope she keeps these girls as friends for a long time, because they are WAY too sweet!

Callie's 4th birthday party was from 11-1pm.  We started the party out with some painting.  Callie LOVES to do arts and crafts more than ANYTHING - seriously this girl is constantly asking to do more and more crafts!  I like to think that one day she may be an architect for how much she likes to build, or an artist for her love of painting, or a designer with her great coloring skills.  Regardless, we knew the birthday craft would have to be something Callie loved doing!

Aubrey was having such a fun time that she was double fisting the paint brushes!

Callie was letting her colorful side come out!

Aurora was painting a seriously inspiring painting.

Ella was painting shapes and butterflies!

Ashlynn painted a perfect spring picture

(I think it worked too, because our weather has been more spring like!).

Clara blended pinks and purples!

Maddie used different painting strokes to create a beautiful painting!

Lunch for the ladies!  We served pizza with strawberry juice boxes, strawberries, blueberries and raspberries!  All the berries for "Strawberry Shortcake!"

While we cleaned up their lunch, the girls played downstairs!  Oh were they having fun :)

Afterwards, Callie opened her birthday presents from her friends!  Such a fun and exciting time for all the girls involved.  All of their faces were lit up, anxious to give their gift to the birthday girl.  I have seen this side as well - as a parent - watching your daughter hand over her "gift" to the birthday girl...it really is a magical moment.

The party girls!  I love this picture :)

Callie's Birthday cake!  Strawberry Shortcake themed...of course!

It was a delicious "HyVee" cake that I bought last minute, 

because I didn't want to fuss over the cake :)

Singing Happy Birthday to the birthday girl :) :)

I always get nervous when a preschooler blows out candles...she did great!  

I just laugh, as parents we are always trying to keep our children away from candles and fire.  Yet on their birthday - a day of celebration, we are throwing fire in their face and telling them to "blow this out"...and each year they get older, we add another candle...

Seriously - has anyone else ever thought about that?!?!!?

The dessert table!  Strawberry & Vanilla Wafer cookies, Strawberry Licorice, Dessert Skittles :)

The boys came back just in time for dessert :)

Our saviors for the morning!  Our amazing babysitter, Taylor and her friend picked up the boys and brought them to Taylor's house so Josh and I could give Callie the birthday attention she deserved!  Thank you so much for being so wonderful to our children!!!

On Sunday morning, it was Callie's official 4th Birthday!  I took her to church, and when we got home, Daddy had set up her room with her birthday present!  

She is so excited!  She also picked out her rock star outfit :)

(Ignore the pampers box - I reuse them to store clothes that no longer fit)

She was so excited for her Fairy Garden!  She is able to paint the pieces (which she LOVES), plant a garden, water it everyday, and watch it grow!  We have been doing this now for a couple weeks, and she is more and more excited everyday her plants grow larger and larger!

Callie's Birthday Dinner of choice was to Applebees!  She wanted Lemonade, a Corn Dog and French Fries...I love these two :)

Collin LOVES the fries!

While Carter loves the ketchup!

Secrets to Daddy :)  I believe she told him how much she loves him :)

"Oh My Gosh - they're singing to me :) :)"

Happy Birthday Callie!  I thank God every single day that he chose your daddy and I to raise you and for you to be our daughter...a lifelong member of this crazy, wonderful family!  You have brought more laughter and happiness to our hearts than we ever imagined.  I'm sad you're growing up, but I am so thankful to be your mommy!

I LOVE YOU CALLIE LYNAE!!!!!