Groovy Party

Today we had Kiahna's birthday party. For the past several months, Kiahna had been saying that she wanted to go to the zoo and have a groovy girl party for her birthday...so that's exactly what we did!!!

Before heading out to the zoo, each of the girls selected 2 groovy girl dolls. Then we set the dolls aside and went to the zoo!!!

After spending a few hours at the zoo, we returned home and the girls started decorating their doll dresses. The girls used permanent markers to color the dresses. Then I sprayed the dresses with rubbing alcohol so that the colors blended and mixed together.

Of course the dresses wouldn't be complete without spraying glitter on them...so that's what we did! The girls were happy with how the dressed turned out, and so was I!!!

Then it was time for cake and presents.

Kiahna was excited about ALL her gifts. Her special cousins got her a Cinderella dress with matching glass slippers and REAL ballet shoes! I made "Rapunzel-Rapunzel" hair for her, and then she also got a fabulous new baby carriage from Aunt Lori. To top that off, she received a present from Papa and Nana with dollars, "silly beans" (silly bands), and hair bands.

Kiahna was so happy with all her presents...but the thing that she enjoyed the most was just having everyone with her to celebrate her special day. I know that is a common saying...but it's really true. This birthday was EXTRA special because she spent it with extra special people. It really meant a lot to her!

So much, in fact, that Kiahna is already planning her next party...

Kiahna's 5th Birthday!

Kiahna wanted to go to Snip-It's (or "Snips" as she calls it) for her birthday. Aliya and Kiahna got to choose a fancy dress with ALL the accessories, and then they got to get their nails done. Kiahna also had her hair styled like a princess, and she topped off her new style with glitter makeup!! She also got some special handmade gifts from her siblings and from me...but the Favorite Gift Award went to Daddy! Daddy bought her the "pee and poo" baby...a.k.a Baby Alive. The doll is actually very adorable, and it happens to have the REAL ability to go pee or poo.

After the girls got all fancified, they paraded around the store. THIS was the highlight of the whole experience for Kiahna. While this little party was fabulous...it wasn't even the frosting on the cupcake! After Snips, TJ took the girls to see Toy Story 3 while Isaiah and I took a nap. When they got done, Kiahna and I went to go take her pictures...then we went out to eat at her favorite restaurant...THEN the cousins arrived from Arkansas!!! What a great day!!! This might just be the best birthday EVER!!!

Kiahna's birthday marks the 4th anniversary of our family blog. My first post was about her FIRST BIRTHDAY. Back then, I was having a hard time believing that she was already a year old...NOW she is Five!!! She continues to grow more beautiful every day. WE LOVE YOU, KIAHNA!!!

10 Year Celebration

On October 2, 2010, TJ and I (and the kids!!!) celebrated our 10 year anniversary in Branson, MO. We spent our days at Silver Dollar City and our nights in the swimming pool at the hotel! Not only did we enjoy all the rides, the crafts, and great food, we also got to tour the underground caverns.

By the end of the trip, everyone was tired...but it was worth it. It was hard for me to leave behind all the beautiful trees and mountains! We probably will be returning again someday!