The (Real) BirthDAY

Even though we planned to celebrate Layna's birthday with family in Florida, we had to do something fun on her actual birthDAY. So Nicole made up some cute Little Mermaid cupcakes (that was the theme of the week) to share with the neighbors.

Strawberry with vanilla icing

Sharing cupcakes with her friend, Maleah

After the neighborhood party, we came back in to open some of her presents. As you may remember, her big present from us was a new bicycle, but she had a few other presents from family who couldn't make it to her party in Florida.

Now that's a happy face!

Nick Jr. Wii Fit game!

Special princess jewelry in a card

The new Fresh Beat Band CD! (we wore that thing out on the car trip)

A group shot

We headed out to dinner at Fox's Pizza Den after the gifts. This place has great pizza and a game room next door (a small arcade) and Layna won 100+ tickets at the game, a very good night. We had a lot of fun celebrating with Layna, and even more fun in Florida! Stay tuned...

Soccer Girl

Soccer season is underway, and this year, Layna joins Brayden to play for Trussville United! She's already excellent at attacking the ball (are you surprised?) and loves running all over. Here she is on her very first day with her new jersey!

Ready to go!!

St. Patrick's Day

I totally missed posting on St. Patrick's Day, but we celebrated it nonetheless! At the beginning of the week, Brayden worked on a project for school -- decorating a yam. It wasn't meant to be something about St. Patrick's Day, but since it was the week before the holiday, Nicole came up with the brilliant idea to make a YAMrock! It was fantastic!

The YAMrock

On Friday, Brayden was thrilled to dress for the holiday, and this is how he dressed himself...

He certainly won't be pinched today!

He is such a funny kid!

Happy Birthday, Layna!!

Today my little girl is FOUR YEARS OLD!! She woke up with a big spring in her step, singing the birthday song to herself as she came out of her room -- so cute! We have a fun day (and week!) planned to celebrate her birthday, so I'm sure I'll have plenty of pictures to come. Until then, here are a couple pictures from the last week or so, including her big birthday gift, a new bike!

Ready to ride (with Ariel, too!)

On her way to school -- such a big girl!

Our Newest Reader

Exciting news! Layna is now officially a reader! In the last few weeks, things have clicked for Layna and her reading has really blossomed. So much so, that I suggested she do something very, very special -- Since today is Dr. Seuss' birthday (Brayden figured out that he'd be 108-yrs-old if he were still with us), and since schools everywhere are celebrating his bday, and since Layna absolutely loves Dr. Seuss books, I asked Layna if she wanted to read one of her favorites, Ten Apples Up On Top, to her 3K class ...and she said yes! On Tuesday, she asked her teachers if there would be time on Friday to read to the class, and they were happy to oblige. Today was the big day and she was so excited! Here are some pictures and a video of the fun.

The special reader with her friends