F-O-U-R!!!!

The number FOUR!  The long awaited number FOUR!!!  Eliana has been waiting to turn four years old ever since her third birthday.  She has actually had a few dozen tantrums over the fact that she was not yet four, leading up to this day.  So, we are all so glad that May 29th, Eliana's birthday, has arrived!!!  She starts the day by fulfilling her dream of having her first piece of bubble gum.  As per her instructions, the gum is waiting for her on my night table, so that I can reach over and give it to her while we are all still in bed.   After she chews her gum, we all head downstairs so that Eliana can see her new sandbox before Daddy leaves for work.  The sandbox is a hit, and the girls can't wait to play!  We eat breakfast (special treat: Nutella!), and get Leah ready for school.  Then, Mommy and Eliana can spend some special (rare!) time alone together while Leah is at school.

 

We start off at the library, where Eliana finds a copy of "All of a Kind Family" to replace our missing one.  (This book owes some of it's popularity to the fact that Big Cousin was reading it at our house.)  After the librarians all make a fuss over my cutie, and she plays her computer games, Eliana's next birthday wish is fulfilled.  She wants cheese balls.   Yes, those flourescent orange, salty, crunchy balls that dissolve on your tongue.  Hmmmm.  Who does this remind me of.  Someone who used to eat cheese balls for dinner on a regular basis in his bachelor-hood.  Hmmm.  I can't seem to think of who it might be!!!   Eliana also picks out strawberries and watermelon, so perhaps my genetic influence is hidden in there somewhere . . . .

As we approach lunch time, we head over to Jules Pizza, one of our favorite lunch destinations.  Perhaps it is the excitement of her birthday, or more likely the cheese balls, but Eliana is not that interested in her pizza.  She is more interested in blowing bubbles in her water (a trick learned from Peppa Pig), and greeting each customer that walks in.  Wouldn't you like to be greeted by that face?

We pick Leah up from school, and after some rest time attempt to use the sand box.  The new sand toys have arrived in the mail, and the kids are ready.  But, thanks to the 90 degree day the sand is burning hot and impossible for play.  Looks like we need to find a shadier spot for Mr. Turtle.  So, we take the sand toys into a nice cool bath tub.

Finally it is time to meet Daddy at Friendly's for a birthday dinner, and of course dessert.  Eliana is serenaded by the Friendly's staff, before eating her monstrous DIY Sundae. 

 
Little Sister thinks the ice cream is so good she is attacking it with two spoons.

Next, the fun continues at Happy Tymes.  Leah is old enough to be the helper ice cream lady, while Eliana drives the ice cream truck.  Eliana plays her first Skee Ball (she's good!), Basketball, and Stomp the Spiders. 

And, now that she is four, she is brave and ready to face the Frogger with new found confidence.  She holds on tight, and even manages to smile while she's bouncing up and down on the wild ride. 

Happy Birthday my sweet Eliana!   I have had the most amazing four years being your Mommy.  You constantly surprise and amaze me.  You have convinced me that I had no idea what parenthood was about before you were born, and you are nothing like what I expected you might be like.  It is thrilling to watch you grow, to hear about all of your strong opinions, to experience your imagination, to help you navigate through life's challenges. Your name means, "The Lord Answers," because Mommy prayed a special prayer for you, and He answered my prayer!  It is your birthday, but you are my gift.  I love you!!