Cowgirl Kit






While Kit wouldn't wear her matching cowgirl shirt, she eagerly anticipated the pony rides on both Theo and Peanut!

Cowgirls: Elsie and her Nonie

Elsie's 4th Birthday Cowgirl Pony Party

Birthday Portraits

Race Day









Elsie and Kit ran their first race Saturday morning--most of Kit's running was done by Daddy pushing her stroller. Elsie ran solo though and was super fast and super 4 and super excited about her post-race ribbon. Kit was psyched about the post-race water bottle!

Birthday Cake!






Elsie picked out 4 candles for her ice cream cupcake. She is very excited about the number 4--and just as excited about ice cream!

Presents!




After Elsie's swimming lesson, we walked down the block to Barberito's for a taco dinner. Then it was present time. Elsie loved the guitar and pony PJs from Tad, Kate, and Johnny; the personalize Princess Ballerina book from Bryce, Brooke, Barbara, and Mike; the books, ponies, and soccer goal from Grammy and Poppa; the Leapster and game from GranAnn and Pop Roy; and the new bath toys from Mommy and Daddy.

Birthday Breakfast and Birthday Watch





Elsie woke up and got to open one present in bed: Ladybug Land! We sent away for ladybugs to populate it and we'll keep you posted when they arrive. She then ate a birthday pancake before school and opened an adorable new watch from the Pace family. Then it was off to school where serendipitously it was "E" week and Elsie got to share E birthday cookies with the class at snack time.

Happy 4th Birthday Elsie!







In fact, I think that Kit's look might say it all here. Lots of times, there we are, watching to see what Elsie will do next. We are amazed by her--her energy, her creativity, her memory, her wit, her agility and of course, her determination, obstinance, and perseverance, for good or ill. Elsie is so full of joy, so happy, so enthusiastic, so full of life. In fact, it is really hard to even imagine life before her--it must have been so slow, so relaxing, and certainly, less vibrant just over four years ago. Little did we know the force we would soon be reckoning with--Our Elsie, and always, we are so glad she is ours! What a wonderful world it is with her in it!