Lucy's 4th Birthday

I can't say enough about my friend, Kelly. She is the most amazing woman I know. Seriously. This woman does everything.

Lucy celebrated her 4th birthday this year. Last year at this time, Lucy was diagnosed with Leukemia. Now she is in remission, growing her hair back, and being a normal 4 year old little girl. Happy birthday, Lucy!

Beatrix and Lucy at Lucy's Fairies & Princesses Birthday Party.

Playing Fairy, Fairy, Princess

Face painting

She never did get her face painted.

Treasure Hunt

This is a great idea. Kelly hires this ice cream truck to come to her kids' parties. The lady is dressed up and plays custom music with your child's name. The kids get to pick whichever ice cream they want, and there are lots of choices. Lots of fun!

The Hunt is On

And, they didn't know it yet, but this was going to be the longest egg hunt in their lives. Yes, we made it harder this year. No more 2 minute hunts in this family. Each child (excluding the youngest) had a specific egg to look for. They were each given a sticker before they started, and they were to find the eggs with that sticker on it. I really can't believe how much this slowed them down. Even the adults had to get out there and help. It was fun though.

They're off!

Charlotte waisted no time!

Beatrix found one of her eggs.

Not frustrated...

The kids were so great about helping each other out.

Here's one of the adults helping out.

Once they had all their eggs, they had to use a spoon to get the rest of the eggs. Slowing these kids down.

And, we couldn't forget the confetti eggs. No, we couldn't.

Beatrix gets Nathan, and Hannah gets Beatrix.

No one was too young to get confetti.

And, no one was too old!

A group shot, minus Beatrix.

A group shot, minus Charlotte.

Why are my girls so hard to photograph....in the same frame?

More Easter Fun

Dyeing Easter eggs

I asked her to show a little enthusiasm. A "little".

The Easter Mommy, er Bunny, was here.

She loves her new Barbie.

And, Charlotte loves her candy.

ANY candy.

The obligatory bite out of the ear.

Desperately wanting to peel her own egg.

Warms the heart to see them playing so nicely together...until a few seconds later, of course.

Teddy Bear Easter Party

One of the last parties of the year, and it has gone by so fast. Another great party for another great group of kids.

Playing outside while the party is being set up.

Beatrix was shy to sport her set of butterfly wings on her head. She loved them though.

There's that pretty smile.

The eggs are "hidden".

Unfortunately, I missed the egg hunt, but I hear Beatrix got her usual 2 eggs. My girl is so competitive.

Bluebonnet Season, or What There Was of It

I suppose it's asking too much of Mother Nature to supply us with the amount of rain we need to grow our beautiful bluebonnets here in Texas. For whatever reason, she did not bless us with rain this year, and it was obvious. Granted, we set out on our annual bluebonnet expedition a little later this year, but on all accounts, most years, there would still have been an ample supply of bluebonnets to choose from for pictures. Not this year, but we made the most of it. We found a field of bluebonnets, literally the only field we saw in the Brenham area, bluebonnet country it is. Chappel Hill never disappoints, and this year, that is where we found our patch of bluebonnets. Not the best pickins. It wasn't the best day either. It felt ok, as in not too hot or anything, but it was windy as all get out. Add to the fact we got a late start, and we had issues with the harsh sun. And then, it became clear very quick, that there was another problem. The field we found was also covered in some kind of thistle. Nevertheless, here are the few pics we managed to get.

See. I had to wear my sunglasses. Way to bright!

And, way too windy!

But, the girls managed to have a little fun.

If you can forget me in this picture, take a look at Charlotte's face. I just love her cheeky smile.

Teddy Bear Dance Recital

What I love about Beatrix taking ballet through the school is how low key it is. Here they are waiting for their dance recital to start. No makeup. No special hair. No special costumes (other than the hot pink tutus). Just 4 year old girls being 4 year old girls. 

These girls learned a lot from their teacher throughout the year. Whenever I got a chance, I would peak my head in just to see how they were doing. Beatrix loves dance, and moves so beautifully at home. When it comes to performing for other people though, she just isn't the same. She is certainly more capable than she appears on stage.

The music starts, and Beatrix isn't quite sure of herself. She has to put her hands to her face while she figures it out.

The girls start to turn, and with hands still on her face, Beatrix decides it's better for her to turn with them.

But, wait, she starts to gain some confidence, and I think she is doing what she is supposed to be doing here.

Just when she was on a roll...Now, I'm pretty certain she is not doing what she is supposed to be doing. She's the one with the blonde ponytail looking out the window.

Showing us some skills she has worked on throughout the year.

Shy again...

Playing peek-a-boo with Auntie, I think.

I think she is trying to take Daddy's picture.

This sweet little boy from her class stayed after school to watch the performance, and then gave each girl a rose. Sweetest.thing.ever!

Beatrix loves her friend, McKenna. She is so sad that she won't be in the same class next year.