My Brownie

Happy Birthday to my Brownie!

We celebrated Keira's birthday on her actual birthday, October 2, but I'm just now able to finally post about it. 35 year old Keira--please do not think for one hot second that this delay represents any ill feelings on my part. I, in fact, feel super duper, awfully guilty for being so delayed. 

She got her goody bag full of little surprises--like a lot of leopard stuff. She's really into leopard right now. And Makenzie made her this very special picture.

 We got to celebrate at school with our sweet girl, too. We visited her classroom to help her share her "all about me" poster, ate lunch with her, and played at recess.

 The birthday girl requested the gluten free nuggets from Chick-fil-a.

 That night she opened her presents. She wanted all things KU. This included a t-shirt, hair accessories, and her very own cheerleader outfit.

We didn't tell her how to pose, but I think she totally looks like a natural. What a little doll!

 On the following Saturday, she finally got her party. She invited Kayleigh, GG, and Rylee--her three besties. And goodness are they sweet girls. They came over about 4:30 and we ate what the birthday girl requested--Hotdogs ("from outside," or what we typically refer to as grilled), french fries, GF mac and cheese, and fruit.

Smiling with mama on her birthday!



 Her friends and our girls all lined up to get their food before we headed off to Going Bonkers.

 They are all a bunch of silly little girls--you'll see in the pictures to come!

Threw this one in for good measure.

 Crazy eyes!

Enjoying a friendly game of peek-a-boo

 We finally made it to GB at nearly 8pm. It was a late night thanks to a cranky little boy (no names are being mentioned, ahem). Here's the whole gaggle of gals. I see a "pink" theme here...

 It was about 10 at night by the time we got home for presents and cupcakes. She received very nice gifts.

 Such thoughtful friends.

 As per birthday girl's request, she had gfef strawberry cupcakes with vanilla buttercream frosting.
Thank you, Grandma!

 After cupcakes they all went downstairs (with Auntie) to watch The Croods. They all fell asleep and slept perfectly well. We didn't hear a peep until morning time. We had chocoalte chip pancakes and bacon with fruit, and OJ. The girls all went home around 10. Brownie said she had a super awesome birthday. And I'm so glad she felt loved.

 Keira Grace- I cannot even begin to tell you how you have impacted my life. You have the most gentle and sensitive soul. You are truly a gift from heaven here on earth.

 Your smile is contagious. Your eyes are bright. Your heart is full. And much like your mama, you wear your heart on your sleeve. Being vulnerable is truly beautiful. You are genuine and honest. You are so many wonderful and glorious things there's no way I can write them all down here.

 I hope this life offers everything you deserve and some of what you want--enough to keep you thankful and humble. It is my wish for you that you can follow your dreams while still keeping a good head on your shoulders. I know you're a dreamer, a go-getter, and a trend-setter. You possess more talent in your painted little pinky than I do in my whole body. I'm in awe of you, daily.

 I do not know what I did to be so incredibly blessed by your spirit and your presence in this family, but I'm eternally grateful that you are here with us. I'd honestly be lost without you. I wouldn't know who to rely on to keep me company in the mornings. I wouldn't know what to do with my hair half the time. How would I ever figure out what shoes look good with my outfit? Where would I go when I needed a hug that lasted for several minutes? I would be missing you and everything you are.

 I am so proud of the little lady you are. You never cease to amaze me with all the wonderful artsy things you can do. And the way things just click for you--like it's second nature. You are incredibly creative. I don't know where you come up with most of the ideas you have. Your thinking is beyond your seven years.

 You are also catching on to all of your academics so quickly. As a first-grader, you are reading above your grade level, rocking math tests, acing spelling tests, making friends, keeping the old ones, playing in gym, and singing your little heart out in music class. All the while you are also playing and doing great in soccer. Dancing your heart out in ballet, jazz, and Nutcracker rehearsals. And soon you'll be back into bouncing all around the gymnastics place.

 I'm at a loss for words because I can never convey to you what you mean to me. I truly hope that one day, you will have a child so that you will know just how much I love you. And I hope you always remember that my love is forever in your heart.

Happy seventh birthday to the sweetest 7yr old! I love you!

XO-mama

Guess Who Started "School?"

 This beautiful little girl started a Parents Day Out program recently. Two days a month she's at school for 2.5 hours. And two other days a month she's there for five hours. And those are the days she gets to pack a lunch.

 This was her first day of the five hour day school. She was so excited because it meant she was just like sissies. She packed a lunch and had a back pack full of her belongings. And she was on cloud NINE!

 Can you tell?

 This little gal is just beyond awesome. She's smart as a whip, beautiful, sassy, and so grown up.

 She has recently (like in the past few months) started saying anything and everything. She repeats everything she hears. And she comes up with some of the funniest things. One of her fav things to say is "I Tarris." Which translates into "I'm Karys." She loves introducing herself. She is the last girl in our family, but she is the first "social butterfly" we've ever had. None of my girls at the age of two would've ever spoken up like that. In fact, most of them would be silent and not talk to anybody. But not this girl!

She is loud and proud. Opinionated and ornery. And of course she's the sweetest little thing ever. I just adore this girl and this stage of her life.

Keian's Party

We all know that Keain turned one a while ago, but our weekends in the fall are so outrageously busy that we are just now getting around to celebrating.

A while back Matt and I went to a gala where we bid on a bounce house as part of the silent auction. Well, much to our surprise we won it for a fraction of what it actually cost. None of the fall birthday girls wanted it for their birthday party, so we reserved it to have for Hunk's birthday party. And it was a hit!

Before the party actually started, I had the chance to take him in there and hold him while we bounced together. His little face lit up--like it was saying "weeeeee!" He had fun!

Our friends and family soon came over and helped us celebrate having our sweet boy for a whole year.

 We ate chicken and veggie kabobobs, sausage balls, chicken nuggets, chips and dips, caramel and apples, and carrots with ranch.

 My mom made her awesome egg and gluten free cake and cupcakes so Hunk and many of the allergy people could enjoy. He had no problem digging right in.

He received gifts from our sweet friends, and of course he had help opening them! Lots of help!

And Auntie gave him his special chair. She has given each child a specially-made-for-them-chair during their first year! 

It was nice evening, and I think we all enjoyed our time.