Happy Birthday Daddy (and Cousin Madeline)

Saturday the 21st was Steve's birthday - the big 3-1! I made a special breakfast - honey bun cake - and Steve opened his presents from me and Charlotte. After Charlotte's nap we headed out for part 1 of our busy day. We went to Costco (man, we really know how to celebrate a birthday huh?!), and then to CiCi's for lunch. We came back home for a while so that Charlotte could catch a good afternoon nap because we knew we would be out later than usual that evening. After her nap and her mid-afternoon bottle, we loaded up and headed out to Madeline's 4th birthday party. We were about halfway there when we discovered that we didn't bring the camera - UH OH - Steve is the offical family photographer for special occasions such as this so we had to turn around and go back home to get it. We finally made it to the party around 4:15 (before the scheduled starting time, but we ended up arriving after all of the grandparents...we are a family of early birds I guess!).

The party was very Princessey, as expected! Madeline was in good spirits and wished Steve a happy birthday despite declaring earlier in the week that she would acknowledge that it was Steve's actual birthday and it was ok for him to open his presents, but it was definately HER party! She was very sweet though and said "my cake is your cake." :)

It was cute to see little Gabriel on the move...he was everywhere, and quick! I am no longer pushing Charlotte to crawl :)

Here are a bunch of pictures from the par-tay.




"Do I really have to look at the card first?!"

Madeline and her very first American Girl doll - from Nana and Grandaddy!

Madeline in her new ballet skirt - she starts class this week!

Madeline enjoying her new sleeping bag

Gabriel enjoying Madeline's new sleeping bag!

Charlotte took a break from the present opening for dinner #1 (she would enjoy a few bites of meatball and spaghetti later in the evening).

Here's the princess cake - a Cold Stone ice cream cake!!

Blowing out the candles

Excited to dig in!

Madeline enjoying her cake. This is right before she asked - "can I have some REGULAR ice cream with this?"

Charlotte and Gabriel playing together



What did you say?

Dad carrying a heavy load!

Me and Chris looking at the camera, Charlotte and Gabriel looking at Madeline


It was a fun party, and it was good to see Jacki and Aunt Linda who we don't get to see that often. We left the party around 7 (this is when Charlotte is usually in bed!). She fell asleep on the way home, but she hadn't even gotten her bath yet, so we did a really quick nighttime routine and she was in bed about 8:00. And no, she didn't really sleep in on Sunday...oh well! :)