Two Hands

It takes Miss Braylee 2 hands now to show you how old she is. ;)

She opened a present from us before school but I can't say what it is because we got the same thing for Sydney. :)

I love how they celebrate the Kindergartners' birthdays at Barr-Reeve. The birthday kid gets to bring in cupcake mix and icing of their choice. On their big day, they get to help the teacher mix all of the ingredients while the other students color a cake picture for the birthday kid. The teacher puts all of their pictures into a book for the student as a gift from the class. In the afternoon once the cupcakes have cooled, the teacher passes out craft sticks with a scoop of icing on each one for the kids to ice their own cupcake. Then the birthday kid gets to sit in the big seat while everyone sings Happy Birthday! I think the kids love it! I also found out there were two other girls celebrating birthdays in K today!

Lillie got off the bus with Braylee. It was a "fun surprise" as Braylee said. ;) Just picture these two girls 10 years from now... wonder what they will be driving then.

Braylee Annelise,

Happy Birthday to such a beautiful little 6 year old! You are a wonderful mixture of silly & sweet! You bring us lots of sunshine with your bright eyes and cheerful songs.

You are one happy girl...dancing, singing (mostly made up songs about ANYTHING), and having fun! You have such a caring heart...You are quick to pray for someone who is hurting and always ask the next day if they are better. You are mindful of others' feelings and are very nurturing. You love to make crafts and gifts for your friends and family.

Sometimes I feel bad that we have to put a lid on your excitement! You love acting silly but then you usually get hurt at some point because you are clutzy like mommy! You are not too adventerous when it comes to "scary" things like riding jet skis or roller coasters. :) Purple has decided to share it's #1 color spot in your heart with blue. You still LOVE your bunny and sleep with her every night.

Some highlights from your last year: Graduated from pre-school, learned to read, had breakfast in Cinderella's Castle, started Kindergarten, learned how to tie your shoes, scored your 1st strike in bowling, played little league softball, went sledding & made your 1st snowman, went off the big diving board at Shakamak, & moved into your new house.

First Strike!

I think you will be our little scholar...very eager to learn and have amazing comprehension and critical thinking skills. You retain so much too. You love school and haven't complained once about having to get up in the mornings. You are a fabulous big sister and Brynna adores you!
Some of your favorite things: iCarly, having mommy scratch your back at bedtime, golfing with Daddy, Sydney, Cinderella, poptarts, nachos, playing dress up, camping, and naming your dolls Alexis.You are truly beautiful on the inside and out. You are already starting to understand your need for a Saviour and God's wonderful mercy. You ask many questions and have a faith that convicts me to be more trusting in Him.

We love you more and more everyday! You will always be our perfect princess!! Happy #6!

Icing in the Middle

Our little Brynna Annabelle turned 4 today! As soon as she saw me this morning, she said, "I'm 4 today!" I said, "Wow, you look taller. Have you grown?!" A few seconds later, we heard her say, "Sissy, sissy, I'm taller!" ;) Brynna started her birthday with candles in a poptart and a gift from Mommy and Daddy...but she'll get her big surprise at her party on Sunday.

Brynna Annabelle,
It's hard to believe my baby girl is 4 years old! We've had such a fun year watching you grow out of toddler-hood and into the big girl world. Your personality is a lot like your daddy's...easy-going and quiet most of the time. You still have the dearest little voice and say the funniest things.
Some of your favorite things include your Pinky Beary, being a ballerina, helping mommy in the kitchen, macaroni & cheese, playing dollies, and riding your bike. Your best buddies are Emma & Addison. You change into leotards, tutus, and swimsuits all of the time...such a girly girl! You love bows, jewelry, lip gloss, and cute shoes! ;)
Exciting things that happened for you in the last year: Moved into your new house, upgraded to a big girl booster in the car a few weeks ago, spent a week at Disney World, became a "big cousin" to Hadlee & Kooper, and learned to write your name.
Some "firsts" you did as a 3 year old: riding the jet ski, jumping off the diving board, attending dance class and VBS, bowling, went down the bigger water slides at Holiday World since you were over 36 inches :), went to the movies (that you remember), sang in front of church, went to the dentist, built a snowman, and went sledding.
You love licking the icing off cupcakes and think the icing is definitely the best part of an oreo! One day I told you you were "sweet as sugar," sweet as icing in the middle of the cookies. Now when the 3 of us girls walk together holding hands, Braylee and I say you are our icing in the middle. ;)
You still LOVE all things pink, getting your nails done, wearing skirts everyday, dancing and singing. You can definitely be silly and unpredictable but you are usually calm and happy. Your favorite cartoons are Angelina Ballerina, Berenstein Bears, Mickey Mouse, and Dora. Belle & Sleeping Beauty are still your favorite princesses. You love going to Sunday School/Cubbies and learning about Jesus. You think Braylee hung the moon.

Sweet Annabelle, you are more than I could have ever dreamed of in one little girl. I love being your mommy, and I thank God everyday for letting us raise you.
Happy 4th Birthday, Sweetheart! Can't wait to see what the next year holds for you!

Let the Parties begin!

Having two girls with birthdays in September makes for a busy month...but add in all of their friends with September birthdays and it's crazy! The girls party all month long and love every minute of it. We've already attended or are going to attend parties for 7 other little girls celebrating birthdays in September. Plus we have the fun Minnie Mouse party at our house coming up!

Here's a quick update in pictures...

Monday, Brynna and I ran some errands, including stopping in at my mom's work with some Mexican cuisine for lunch. Of course, Mamaw always lets the girls have a treat when they come to see her at work. ;)
Thursday night at dance, Brynna got to wear the "best listener" tiara. So cute!

The girls lined up by age at Emily's party purely by accident but it made for an adorable picture!

Abby, Braylee, Emma, Brynna, & Emily

Birthday Buddies. Emily was born on Brynna's 1st bday!

We enjoyed a delicious meal at Gramma & Pappy's house after church today. It didn't take long for Braylee to spot the presents in the living room. :) Uncle Adam and Tristen won't be able to make it to their party next weekend. The girls were happy to open their gifts a little early!

Love this picture. :) A PINK ballerina Barbie for Brynna.
And ZhuZhu pet accessories for Braylee.

In the afternoon, we surprised our September Sweeties with a trip to Chuck E. Cheese. They had a ball. I love watching them together...such sweet friends.

I can hardly believe my baby will be 4 tomorrow. *sniff, sniff* Time to pull out the pink candles...