We have a 4 year old.

We celebrated Rory's 4th birthday on Saturday. Months ago she chose a Pirate Princess party. We have been talking about the shindig for months and she was so excited to finally wake up on the morning of her party! We bought her a blinky crown pin that said Princess on it for her big day. She lost it less than a half hour after we gave it to her.
I made these princess cupcakes for the little girls at the party. (Yes, I made them! It took me longer to make these cupcakes than to push when I was in labor with Rory.)


Couldn't forget about our littlest princess. Emme snuggles up for some lovins before the party began.





When Chris heard we were having a Pirate Princess Scagenger hunt, he couldn't wait to get in character.
I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. (Braden is Chris' son...see above photo.)

Brad reads the second clue to Rory.
Listening to the third clue during the treasure hunt.
Sophia, Rory and Caedman have no idea just how close they are to the Pirate Princess treasure.
Zeke may be wearing a pink princess crown...but he makes it work.

After finding the treasure and splitting up the booty, the kids dipped their feet in the fountain after a long journey.





Rory is such a joy at 4. She is getting increasingly loving with Emme, and often shows great care and concern for her little sister. The other day Rory and I were sitting about a foot away from each other on the couch while Emme lied down in between us (with her head resting on Rory). Rory was gently rubbing Emme's head. When she stopped, Emme reached up and moved Rory's hand back and forth on her head again. Seeing our girls begin (what we hope to be a lifelong) friendship has been a blessing. One of the best "inconveniences" of living of Jewell has been the need for the girls to share a room. We wouldn't have chosen the arrangement if we had the extra rooms, and are truly glad they share that space.

Our family LOVES dance parties. We spent a lot of time turning up the volume and dancing, whether it's in the living room, the girls' bedroom, or our car. The Anderson's can shake it! Rory's newest adventure is a dance class where she gets to wear real ballet and tap shoes. She has given us glimpses of what she's learning in her Wiggles & Giggles class....which she loves. She looks so cute in her tight and leotard! Seeing the pure excitement in her eyes as I drop her off each week, and the glee on her face as I pick her up, makes my heart smile.

Rory continues to be a continuous source of classic Team Anderson anecdotes as her personality grows right along with her. While riding the bumper cars at a carnival this weekend, I asked Rory, "Isn't this fun?" She replied, "It's not my kinda fun!"

I'm so glad she was born. I love her freckled nose, her bright blue eyes, her funny take on life, her sassy dances, how her curly hair looks even better on a crazy humid day, and when she says, "I'm glad your mine too, mom."

Welcome to your 5th year of life Rory Grace.