Grace's 4th Birthday

So not too long ago on January 10th, our beautiful little daughter turned 4. Seriously, Boyce and I cannot believe our Gracie is 4. Where have these four years gone, anyway? It seems like every day, she is becoming more and more grown up...asking big-girl questions with an insatiable curiosity and inquisitiveness...and doing big-girl things, like riding around on a razor scooter and roller skating.

Seriously, how did we go from this:

To this?

Anyway, we were excited as ever to celebrate her birthday. Boyce had a work gathering the night before her birthday, and being the trooper he was, got home late and still decorated the downstairs and assembled her dollhouse (her big present). I focused that evening on making her a fun little princess cake. :)

She was delighted as ever when she woke up on her birthday morning and saw all the decorations. Can you tell?

Here is a video of her 4-year-old "Interview" with some of her favorite things!

We gave her her dollhouse before the "official" celebration. Here is the "reveal."

At 11:30, our dear friend Cami came over and joined us for her "party," which included pizza and then of course cake and ice cream.

The cake. Sigh of relief it turned out!

The birthday song!

Someone else mighty enjoyed that cake, too!

So excited for presents!

In fact, we were so excited we did a little cheer!

Serious face as we get down to business.

Another cheer for a fun gift from Cami!

Thank you Grandma and Grandpa for the beautiful dress!

Whoa. Our first Barbie. Yup - we've reached that milestone, if you will.

Her very first jewelry box.

I've got to say, I am so proud of this girl. She likes to do what is right and tries with all her might to please others. She adores Connor and is so proud of the fact that she is his big sister. She is a leader by nature - just ask Connor or anyone for that matter! She loves to go, go, go and play, play, play and is so much fun to be around. She is genuine and kind - I've had multiple parents and others compliment me on how nice she is to other kids. She just wants to be friends. She is such a joy to have around and is always my little helper. Boyce and I love our girl with all our hearts and love watching her flourish in every way - spiritually, emotionally, and mentally. Next year, she'll start preschool, and while I will miss her those hours she is gone, I know she is ready to grow and learn and take this next step. Happy birthday, sweetheart! We love you to the moon and back.