Birthday!!

Can you believe these little girls are four already? I can't even wrap my head around it. I honestly understand now how parents say time flies. One day they were just babies and you look up and they are grown. As crazy as that sounds it seems so true. I can't believe they have been here and I have been their mom for four years. It just is crazy.

Here is the table the night before that we set up for them. Rachel asked for flowers so we made sure to get some of those for her! They love to open presents, what kid doesn't, but I didn't want to spoil them with gifts but I didn't want to rob them of this magical time when this is the best thing to them. So they got some things that weren't "real" gifts but were just wrapped to have more to open. They seemed happy though no matter what it was when they opened it.

This is a Psillos family tradition that I have slacked on doing so far in my kids lives. My mom always did it for us on our birthdays and we loved it. She hung dollar bills and candy mostly. I don't remember if there were balloons in there but if not we added that one! I am so happy I finally did it because they loved it! I'm so excited to continue this tradition for our kids. After they saw this and had fun ripping everything down they turned and asked "where's the rest of the decorations?" I guess I didn't realize the house was supposed to be decked out with balloons and stuff for it to be a real birthday celebration. Maybe next year I will get it right!

That is four fingers they are holding up in case you couldn't tell what they were doing! They love showing everyone how old they are now. That morning of course they tore through the presents and then started playing. They had chocolate pancakes for breakfast and then it was time to get ready for school. Rachel wasn't feeling well so she stayed home and Livy got to bring brownies to her class to celebrate her birthday. The next week when Rachel was finally all better and Livy at home sick, Rachel brought cupcakes to the class to celebrate. It worked out well because they couldn't agree on what treat to bring for the class so this way they each brought their own!

The birthday girls! They are happy to be four and totally embracing the idea that they can do so much more since they turned four. That day Livy started saying prayers on her own when before she always said she needed help. They have both learned to buckle themselves in their booster seats, which they did the first time they actually tried. It seems that saying you are so old now works for somethings! They both just want to try more things by themselves which is great. It is fun to watch them become more confident and daring. 

After school we went to Toys R Us and they each got to pick a toy they wanted because there was nothing specific that they asked for so I really didn't know what to get them. Rachel picked a roller coaster for her Polly Pocket girls and Olivia picked a Barbie with dogs that swim in a pool.

That night we went to a Chinese restaurant with Grandma and Grandpa Williams. That is the girls favorite food, the only food we don't have to remind, plead, and bargain with them to eat. They love the dumplings especially. It was a fun little birthday dinner complete with cupcakes and the birthday song of course. Then Grandma and Grandpa had a present for them to finish off the night. They sure were some happy kids.

Happy birthday Rachel! You sure are a sweet easy going girl who is a joy to be around. You are patient and understanding beyond your years and that is a huge help to me. I love your special way of making everyone feel loved and the way you are naturally so friendly to all who you meet. You still have wise and funny comments and an great memory that amazes me. Your inquisitive mind continually has me in awe.

 I love you so much sweetie!

Happy birthday Olivia! You have such an energetic and happy spirit and a sincere love for everything you do.  You love to cuddle and to take care of others. You are always trying to make Colt smile and rarely do I see you without a smile. You are always ready to go and have some fun and never seem to need a break. I love the way your sensitive caring soul is growing and blossoming. And how you tell it to me straight! (Like "it is hard to be patient mom") I love you sweetie!

Little buddy enjoying all the festivities! He is such a fun and happy boy. I really just love you to pieces also and am loving this age!

Thanks Grandma and Grandpa! We love you guys!

Happy birthday girls! We all love you so much and we hope you had a wonderful day!