HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

I can't believe Elise is FOUR years old...it seriously seems like we just got back from Japan and she should be 2. Not a big kid who is four, totally has a personality, and says the funniest things around! A new thing is to put hands on hips, throw one hip out to the side, and roll her eyes...I mean, really?! Not necessary my favorite 'attitude', but a total riot. Apparently, she entertains her teachers at school, too, because they've commented more than once that "she's a great addition to the class, very mature, and quite the comedian..."! HA. I love it.
I didn't want to plan a party b/c I can't handle the pressure. The party-anxiety is all my "issue", I know, so I took advantage of her little preschool and just did a party there for her! She kept insisting that she didn't want cupcakes, but PURPLE DONUTS! How does she even know what donuts are?! Did she see me sneaking them after EVERY one of my OB checkups during Mitchell's pregnancy? I thought she didn't see any of those?! whatever...

So, I ordered purple donuts from the Kroger Bakery (!)- they asked several times, "Purple?! Really? Not pink or white for a little girl?" No, people. She loves purple. Any shade.... We put together gifts of crazy straws and little blowing horns, and that was it. I took it all to school and Elise was in heaven. She was so happy that she got donuts, juice, and that all her "friends" sang Happy Birthday twice!! It was sweet. Adam was at work, of course, so I was juggling the other two kids as well, but we survived. I'm pretty sure Ainsley just wondered around the room and took sips of any Capri-Sun that wasn't being consumed. I saw her drinking off a few at least! How nobody got sick is amazing...

I also decorated the kitchen for her, we played special games (just Elise and Mommy) during rest time, and then she opened presents and had candles in her pizza for dinner. She was happy and felt celebrated for sure. That's what matters, right?! We love you so much, Elise, and you're a JOY in our family!!!