Happy 4th Birthday, Greta!

Today our little girl is four years old!  At times I can't believe it's been four years since my proudest and most accomplished moment when we welcomed Greta into the world.  But so many other wonderful moments and events have happened since then that I can believe it's been four years.  While it's hard to "enjoy every moment" I am happy to report that we have lots of happy memories of the last four years.  While I sometimes miss times gone by we are still able to enjoy what today brings and even get excited about what tomorrow may hold.
Greta continues to impress me with her enthusiasm for life, kindness and patience towards her brother and others, expressions of love, and sense of adventure.  She lights up every room she's in and will ask "for your attention, please" if you happen to look away.  Her manners are excellent!
She is 40" tall and 40lbs at 4 years old.  She loves blue and all the colors, art projects, dress up clothes and jewelry, swimming, running, reading, movies and shows, milk, meat, and fruit (and chips and chocolate but who doesn't?!), her family, organizing her room, and exploring nature.
Being a full time mother has its challenges, like any job, and I'm so thankful for the comic relief that both Greta and Leo provide.  This morning after I wished Greta a happy birthday and told her she's four now she said "But, I don't seem four.  I'm still the same size!"  Later I gave her some bubblegum as we've been talking about it for a year and telling her she can try it when she's four.  She was excited to chew a piece!  She came over to me and said "Sorry, I swallowed a piece.  But, it was my body, not me!"
On Saturday we had a bunch of family and friends over to celebrate the lovely girl.  It was a rainbow theme and we sure had a blast!

Happy Birthday, Greta!

Pepere preparing the pork the night before.  He is in his element.

Memere and Craig making pasta salads.  I drank some wine.  :)

Mem pulled about 15 pounds of pork!  What a trooper!  The pork was sooo good!

Kristen and three month old Madison!  xoxo

Spencer gang!

Hudson "Huddy" Jack Belton's first blog appearance- and party- only two weeks old!  Welcome to the world, Huddy!!  You're sooo cute!  Oh, hi Jenn.

Sweetest Emma and the birthday girl.

More ladies with babies!  Hi Erinn and Whitney (and baby K!) and Hi Amy and three month old Samuel.  And hello, birthday cake!

Time to sing!

Blowing out the candle took a few tries but she got it!

Ice cream cake is awesome- thanks Grandma and Didi.  And Emma, aren't you a little young for beer?

Laura helps with gifts- like an awesome kite from Carl, Al, Tom, and Cali Raye.

Whitney helps deliver and open.

Awesome handmade name sign!

Emma told Greta she can wear this when she sleeps- it's true.  And Greta wore it out to breakfast the next morning!

Everyone loves the light up flip flops from Auntie Jenn.  Greta wore those out to breakfast too.

I love this picture- birthdays are awesome when you're a kid.  Greta is so happy!

Greta wanted mason jars for her "collections" and Didi does not disappoint.  This spinning collection holder is the bomb!

But wait, there's more!  A new bike!!

Oh yeah!

The boys want a turn!

Madison is cool just to be with her Momma.  <3

Greta was losing steam by the end of the party but still posed for pictures and always has love for her Grandma and Didi.

You know that's my bike, right Uncle Timmy and Auntie Kayla?

Pepere asked to try but the answer was "no."

This feels right.  Thank you, Mem and Pep!

Cole, Ben, and Laura Broderick!  Great friends!

Caroline, Amy, Neal, and Samuel Ethier... and Greta!

Dionne family.  Did I mention there was a rainbow theme?

How do these guys get so cute?

Ear protection provided by Didi.

Greta meets Hudson.  Loves his hair.

Best friends for ever.

Greta sang us a lullaby and Leo joined in a the end.  He was happy happy happy even at bedtime.

Watermelon-loving, party animal.

We had a few kids over...

Checking out that collection one more time...

It was a great party.  We love you, Greta.  Happy Birthday and here's to many many more!!