Happy 4th Birthday, Finley!

That picture has to be one of my favorites of all time!  She is so stinking cute!  For Finley's actual birthday she requested a cow theme.  I could not have had more fun coordinating everything for her party down to the wrapping paper.  I took Friday off of work so that I could make her vanilla butter cake with buttercream frosting.  It takes me hours to make it from scratch! 

How sweet is this picture?!  I still can't believe that she is four years old!  Thankfully, this year she has started sleeping through the night.  And only recently has she requested to walk to her bedroom to go to sleep instead of falling asleep on one of us.  We also stopped nursing completely (it had only been before bed for quite a while) about 10 days ago.  In true Finley fashion, she decided she was done on her own time.  

Finley picked out my matching shirt:) 

Uncle Mike

One of her favorite gifts was this American Girl doll (Camille, who she calls Camilla).  She got lots of extra clothes, accessories, and a doll bed for her.  It has been so fun watching her take care of Camilla and get her ready for bed each night. 

Queen Finley

Finley and Aunt Pat

 

Birthday Eve

Every year I think it will be the last year that Finn will fall asleep on me the night before her birthday.  I'm counting my blessings that she was so tired from her mermaid party today that she fell asleep on me.  I know these days are fleeting.  I could stare at this precious face all day long. Time needs to slow way down.  

When I have said my evening prayers,

And all my clothes are on the chair,

And Mama switches off the light,

I'll still be 3 years old tonight,

But from the very break of day,

Before the children rise and play,

Before the darkness turns to gold,

Tomorrow I'll be FOUR years old!

Four kisses when I wake.

Four candles on my cake.

 

Finley's 4th Birthday Party with Friends

Finley wanted to have a party with her friends from school and dance class this year, so we held her party at Xpressions Dance Center with Ms. Jessy, her ballet, tap, and hip-hop teacher.  The kiddos had so much fun!  I loved the mermaid theme that Finley picked and enjoyed setting everything up for her party!  Hayes immediately wanted to hold Finley's hand when he got there.  They are just too cute!  The kids danced and played games with Ms. Jessy while the parents hung out in the lobby.  Then we had snacks and cupcakes and Finley opened her gifts.  

Hattie, Hayes, Finley, Reagan and Raina (Millie hadn't gotten there yet)

Ms. Jessy is her favorite!