Clara's 4th Birthday

 

In an attempt to keep things simple, we decided not to host a big party for Clara’s birthday this year.  Rather than having a full blown birthday party, we took her to Chuck E. Cheese on New Year’s Day.  Then on her birthday we celebrated, just the four of us, with a dinner at home (crab legs & mac & cheese – two of Clara’s all time favorites), a homemade strawberry princess cake, and presents.

She asked us if we wrapped the presents. 
We told her "yes", and she said, "Wow, good job!  Those presents are beautiful!  I love the ribbons!"

 

She LOVED the princess cake!

 

We told her to make a wish, but she said she didn't know what to wish for.

Little sis had to be in the middle of the action - big tummy & all!

 

 

I had to suppress the party planner in me, but it was really nice to spend time together with our little family and have a simple celebration. And it really worked out in Clara’s favor because this meant she got to celebrate separately with each of her grandparents!  Favorite birthday gifts from her fourth birthday include a musical snow globe, sleeping bag, rapunzel hair, and a fair tale chapter book.

 

 

 

Plus, Clara did get to have a birthday party at preschool.  She took a cookie cake to school that day, and each of her preschool buddies brought her a gift.  She has had lots of days of celebration over the last couple of weeks with both Christmas and her birthday.  I’ve tucked away several of her gifts to bring out at a later date so she can enjoy each of the items she received. 

Clara has already requested that her next birthday cake only have the little mermaid on it and a "5".  I overhead her saying today that she is almost 5.  They sure try to grow up as fast as possible!