Ninja Henry Turns Four

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Birthday Party...everyone little boy has to have one.

Cowabunga dude!

So here's the key to an awesome TMNT birthday bash.

Invite all your heroes in a half-shell.

Make sure you do well on the TMNT training course.

And don't forget to complete the wall climb.

And then be ready for a surprise attack...

because Shredder could be right around the corner.

Star throwing for the little Ninjas was a favorite activity.

Frances is too young for all the Ninja nonsense.

So she and Bubba just imitate each other as usual!

The Ninja Turtle pinata was difficult to crack...as usual!

Mother of the little Ninja always plans the funnest parties.

I can't believe that Henry is four years old already.

He is intelligent, so very sweet, and speaks his mind whenever you ask him his opinion.

Claire and Sami didn't really care much for the party stuff. You should have seen her giggle right after Sami slurped her face with doggy kisses.

Childhood is marked with birthday cake after birthday cake.

This year it's a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle party. Next year...who knows!

But the memories Henry will have of this day will forever be in his dreams. And joy remembered is twice sweet!

We got such a kick out of this photo...Bubba with two of the youngest party goers. Would you believe that although he obviously weighs several more pounds than Frances...adorable chubby Bennett is actually 2 months younger than petite Frances.

Her smiles tend to steal the show these days...

as does her photo bombing Daddy.

Henry...what a great party! Let's have some more pizza dude...or rather cake that is!

And Frances and I will have a Diet Coke to go with it.

Cinderella Day

By Royal Command..

Olivia

Henry

and Frances

are hereby invited to attend a showing of the new movie Cindrella

with Nanny Goat

Being Nanny Goat to three adorable little people means you get to plan fun surprises. Watch as Olivia and Henry open their Cinderella box from me. It's in super fast speed so pay attention.

Frances you can sit through a two hour movie...right?

Are you kitten me right meow Nanny Goat?

Months and months ago, Cassandra and I watched the trailer to the new Cinderella movie drooling over the actors assigned to the various roles. That's when we decided we should make it an event.

Presenting Prince Charming Henry with his new shield and sword and Princess Cinderella Olivia in her beautiful blue gown.

And don't forget Frances playing the role of kitty cat! There is nothing more delightful than watching these three waltz their way into the theater. They created quite a stir among the theater courtiers.

We were so excited that we arrived at the matinee showing at least 30 minutes early. There wasn't exactly a line to get in...so we had some time to kill.

Showing off...

and making tough guy prince charming faces...

This picture sums it up. Olivia, Cassandra and Nanny Goat wholeheartedly agree...we LOVED it. Henry said it was really, really, really, really, really long but he liked it! Frances babbled and then slept through more than half of it so she may not be a credible critic.

Seriously though...GO SEE CINDERELLA! Take your kids, take your grandkids, take the love of your life, or maybe even take someone you hope will be the love of your life. Everyone could use a little dreamy romance in their world!








PS...It feels good to be back in this space again.

A Lovely Day for Frances

This past summer was one of those summers...you know the kind that blows by like the seeds from a dandelion pod. It seems as though the school year had just finished last May when suddenly we were picking pumpkins for fall. Midst the sadness of burying Dean's father and losing Izzy pooch to cancer, our family also experienced sheer delight welcoming a beautiful new grand babe to the world.

Frances Anne's arrival has made this little family of five simply perfect.

I am frequently asked if Cassandra is stressed and just how she is able to manage three little people.

She claims it is so much easier than the last time she delivered a baby. Remember Olivia was six months old when Henry was born. 

It doesn't hurt that Frances is just about the best baby I've ever seen. Oh and that hair...we are all in love with that hair!

The family gathered on the first Sunday in September for Frances's special day. 

Even Lucy came along...her first road trip!

Uncle Chet is constantly harassed...jumped on...and asked for piggy back rides from "The Bigs"...the latest term of endearment we use on Olivia and Henry since we can no longer refer to them as "The Babies."

Beautiful Hailey accompanied Dione and obviously fit right in with her polka dots. 

Living in LA, Auntie Didi misses out on a lot of family events. And couldn't wait to be part of this one.

Oh...and Olivia was thrilled to have the extra attention. 

I made Frances's special dress using bridal silk and bridal lace. The pickups on the gown were hand beaded with tiny pearl beads.

She looked heavenly...as did her mamma. 

I also finally finished Frances's baby quilt just in time for the big day. I designed and completely hand pieced this hexie quilt which matches her pink and grey girly girl nursery. I think it's one of my favorite baby quilts ever. The fabric line that Cassandra picked out is called Story Time and I adore it.

Little Miss Frances is pink and new and perfect...and so was her special day.

Hmmm...what's that puppy nose doing in the picture? 

I am just so profoundly grateful for this beautiful child and the joy she brings this Nanny Goat.

I think Auntie Didi is in love with her as well!