Addie's Family Birthday Party

We are so forunate to have such a big, loving family. However, it's alot to ask them to drive for Addie's birthday parties at home. Especially since the majority of them would be bored to tears, or leave with migraines, watching AK and all her little ones running around! So, we try to have Addie a birthday party in Lexington, where almost all of our family is. Thankfully, the weather is usually mild in October, and we've bene able to have outdoor parties the past two years. This year was at my parents' house. Remember me saying Addie wanted a pricess party? Well, I wasn't about to let that not happen. I tried rounding up a "professional" princess to show up, but couldn't find one in Columbia. There are two companies for this in Greenville! Anyway, a friend of ours had a Cinderella costume from doing this gig a few years back, and my cousin Margaret was just the candidate for it. Addie was in shock. I mean, speechless! I loved it - it was perfect!

Tori and my girl walking out on my parents' dock to two of Addie's grandfathers - my dad and Tommy's dad.

Addie and Tori's first glimpse of Cinderella.

Addie would have nothing to do with her at first! I really had to coax her into even getting close! (See my baby bump? This was when I first started showing - about 8 weeks.)

Addie really had to check her out! And would NOT get close to her! Rubbing that ear for security!

Sweet Sanders (Uncle Paul was my photographer for the day, but used our camera. He does a great job!)

Addie's 4th, and final, cake!

Again, her little "I'm shy" face!

Tori and Cinderella

Addie opening her gifts - I loved how she was sinking down in this chair - ha!

Tommy being the good little host!

Addie, just like my father, stops to read a book!

Mema helping her out.

And a new baby...

She loves them, still! And I'm SO glad!

My parents - Addie's Mimi and Googa.

Addie's new dress up shoes.

Please, again, excuse how I look. Ugh, morning sickness. This was as good a picture as we could get at the time.

An attempt at a hug.

And she let her hold her for a quick minute.

Tommy tried - notice Addie has not put down the baby.

Addie loves Capri Suns. And they are a big treat for her. We never have this kind of stuff around unless it's a special occasion!

A little goodby hug from the girls.

And finally a good one!

Addie and Tori running all around - I wish we had a big, big, big yard like this!

It was a great day! And a wonderful end to a fabulous week of birthday celebrations. Happy 3rd Birthday - I hope there is no doubt how special you are to us!

Happy 3rd Birthday My Girl!

For Addie's 3rd birthday, all she wanted was Disney princess things. I was in the middle of morning/all day sickness, and planning her party, so Tommy took over, thankfully. I typically do all the party planning, gift buying, even wrapping. I stopped at Strossners to pick up a small cake - poor girl had to have something to blow out on her actual birthday (even though by the time this day had rolled around, she'd already celebrated twice!), and that was basically my contribution. I'm glad she has no recollection whatsoever!

 Love those sweet cheeks and lips trying with all her might to blow out those candles!

 While eating the cake, she spotted a bag full of presents (Tommy had picked up some princess paper and wrapped them at work that day.).

 And... she loves it! She got Ariel, Sleeping Beauty, and Belle. I totally forgot to tell Tommy to get Cinderella (we already had Snow White and Tiana) - so when she got to the last gift, I asked her what she thought it was, and she said, "Cinderella!" I was SO upset! Luckily, her Aunt Melissa called right then and asked what she could get her, so we covered it!

Addie-girl,
It does not seem like three years have come and gone. And the fact that you are now on your way to four, well that really blows me away. You have developed SUCH a personality! You are fiesty and stubborn, and however hard that may be for Mommy and Daddy, I'm secretly happy because I never want you to be a girl that gets run over, and I don't think I have to worry about that! You are so sweet and affectionate. You still like to cuddle and rock, and never once do I regret that time with you. You have great manners, but still need a reminder every once and a while. You love TV and movies, and they are still greatly monitored by Mommy and Daddy. You are smart as a whip. You are now reciting bible verses, know many colors and words (other than counting to 10) in Spanish, and sing all the time. I mean, all the time! You color amazingly well, almost always staying in the lines. And you have started drawing, and they are adorable! You remember every single thing. Sometimes more than we want you to, but most of the time, it just simply amazes us. Angel, you continue to bring us more happiness than we ever knew was possible. I only pray and hope that I remember how wonderful these moments are with you, because I can't imagine anything any better in this world than my days with you!

All my love forever and ever,
Mommy