Fancy and 4!

Friday's Breakfast in Bed

If only it really worked- oh well! a momma can dream- ha!

A new Earnest book

Posing before her posh party

She had big ideas about this cake

Lily Grace and good friend Claire, her first party guest to arrive

Too cute!

Getting crafty Fancy Nancy style

Making sure all 4 candles get lit

Fancy Nancy loves parfaits and so does Fancy Lily

Birthday Morning! She's 4!

A baby that coos and cries.

The shirt and smile say it all.

We are having quite the "Fancy" weekend around here. Lily Grace turns 4 today and we have spent the weekend celebrating, in true Fancy Nancy style. If you don't know Fancy Nancy, just ask Lily Grace and she can tell you all about her. Last year for her 3rd birthday, Lily Grace received her first Fancy Nancy book and has loved her stories ever since. This years birthday theme, you guessed it, none other than a Fancy Nancy Tea Soiree. (that's a fancy word for party darling. :-)

Before Saturday's party, Lily Grace first enjoyed her annual breakfast in bed. This year she had strawberries and flower shaped pancakes with sprinkles. She also got to open two of her gifts from Gran. She got her very own iron and ironing board, just like mommy. She has had the best time ironing everything from paper to doll clothes. Thanks Gran!!

Saturday morning brought with it another wake up gift and party preparations (ok and the biggest storm we have had this year along with a severe case of stress on my part- ha! but all turned out well, power stayed on and the sun did come out). This time, a book from her Great Grandmother, Honey. It's the last book in this series of Earnest books that Honey has been sending her. Thanks Honey!!

Her party was just precious. The kids looked so cute dressed in all of their fancy accessories. Lily Grace greeted each guest at the door with, "Welcome to my party darling." Fancy Nancy would have been so proud. Her guest also enjoyed a Fancy Nancy story, a fun craft and a game of pin the tail on Frenchey. (Fancy Nancy's posh puppy) They were all so cute sipping punch from their teacups. I must say, I found myself a bit emotional when she blew out the candles. It's hard not to be. Our baby is growing up and it's all happening so fast. We cherish each and every moment with her.

That brings me to today, the actual "big day." Lily Grace woke to gifts from mommy and daddy. Her big wish this year was for a baby doll that coos and cries along with some doll clothes. Her wish was filled and she has been busy playing with "Baby Lila" most of the day. She wore her 4 birthday shirt to church and got many well wishes. This afternoon we did our yearly birthday hand print. I love having her had molded in these little tins. I like going back to see the first one and how she is growing.

Lily Grace, you are and always will be our blessing from above. Mommy and Daddy love you so very much. Happy, Happy birthday "darling." :-)

Sleeping with the Crickets

She knew exactly what to do with these poles and got busy.

Roasting marshmallows

All Smiles

Tucked in their tent for the night

And here they are at 6:15 am Sunday morning

Matt is a wonderful dad. He's always embraced any activity to share special time with Lily Grace. He's never worried about how he looks, how tired he is or how involved the activity may be, he just knows it means special time and memories with his little girl. Dancing, dress up, playing Chutes and Ladders (until they both win), reading and of course date night are among some of the special activities they share. So, when Lily Grace recently took an interest in camping and asked daddy to take her, of course he was all in. Matt lucked up with this one. Camping is something he enjoys and grew up doing so he was all to eager to share it with Lily Grace.

Their first order of business was to gather supplies. They shopped and found the perfect tent (according to Matt) and all the necessary items like sleeping bags and a lantern. They started preparing for this several weeks ago and have been waiting on the weather to cooperate. They didn't have to waste time debating on where to camp, one nervous mommy provided the answer, our backyard.

Yesterday, the big day arrived. They set up camp and after having practiced setting up the tent in our living room (yes, you read that right) upon it's arrival, Lily Grace seemed pretty knowledgeable when it came to helping daddy out.

My contribution to their adventure was a "rugged" dinner, black bean soup and I did the dishes, no creek necessary.

After dinner, they built a campfire and roasted S'mores. She thought it was the greatest thing. I personally thought it was a waste of a good Hershey bar. HA!

After roasting marshmallows, it was inside for a quick bath. (There are limits on roughing it when you have church the next morning so...)

Matt and I wavered back and forth all week on whether or not she would sleep out there the entire night. And after her bath and returning to the tent, there was no doubt about it her making it. She was so excited and wore the biggest smile. They only popped in once to go potty and during that time, I got to hear all about sleeping outside and hearing the crickets and the lesson that daddy gave on how crickets go about making that sound. Around 9:00 pm I received a text from Matt and a picture of our little camper fast asleep.

This morning, she informed me that they didn't make it to playing cards, or reading all 20 books she had taken out there so they would do that tonight. Too funny! Matt immediately reminded her that tomorrow was a work day and they would be sleeping inside tonight. I think it's safe to say, that while camping with his little girl for the first times was the best time he's ever had camping, I don't think it was the most comfortable and not as much so as when he did it as a boy. HA! HA!

Happy Easter! He has Risen!

A few goodies from the Easter Bunny.

Very excited to remove the tape from the oven where we left our Resurrection Cookies.

A peek inside and of course...

the much awaited taste.

What a beautiful day! Jesus Christ has indeed risen! "But the angel said to the women, Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised as He said...." Matthew 28:6

Happy Easter and peace be yours, today and always.