Maddi Turns 4

We made it another year! Our little girl has officially left the toddler stage and has turned into a preschooler. (She's not in preschool, but you know what I mean.) She wanted a party with some of her friends this year and she wanted it to be a Cinderella party. Due to all of us getting sick about two weeks before, the party almost didn't happen, but we were able to pull it all together the week before and it turned out great.

Sunday afternoon we made the cakes. Maddi picked out a strawberry cake, which mind you, was the most expensive cake choice available at Wal-Mart. Of course. She was so excited to help me make it. She helps with dinner EVERY night and loves it!
This might have something to do with why she was so excited to help! :)

She had a difficult time going to sleep that night and she said it was because she was "so, so, so, so, so, so excited!" After she had gone to bed, Ryan and I started on the decorations. I thought I did really good at taking pictures for her party, but somehow this is the only picture I got of the decorations and it was after we ate the cakes. Oh well.

When she woke up Monday morning it was so much fun to see her face! It was almost as good as Christmas. Her little eyes just lit up as she looked around-priceless! It was so fun watching her, in fact, that I think I'm going to do it every year. Put up some type of decoration or do something after the kids are asleep for them to have the next morning on their birthday.

So, here is the final outcome for the cakes. Each girl had their own individual Cinderella cake. They were all very anxious to have their cake.

Maddi's cake

There is a story behind this. I had planned on doing all 5 cakes the same. However, because I didn't order the toppers until the week before I was only able to get 4 with Amazon's two day shipping. The 5th one arrived the day of her party. :) So we improvised, and I must say, I think it turned out pretty good.

All the little princesses

I've been trying to be more like a "real" photographer and take neat pictures. Here was my attempt...not too bad...maybe.

Pure excitement

Cheers! (with ice cream) Gotta love little kids!

Happy Birthday Maddi!

I have to say that 3 was a tough age for this little girl, but she has grown up a lot in the past year. She is my little helper and I love her so much! She is the best big sister. I honestly don't know what I would do without her. She can always make me smile and she's always willing to share a hug, a kiss, or some snuggle time. I love watching her figure out the world around her and listening to her explanations of life. We love you Maddi!