Madeline turning 4!

Our darlin' Madeline turned 4 this month! She's been waiting a loooong time to be 4, and it's a big thrill for her to finally reach her destination. She chose Lucky Charms for her birthday cereal, and "lucky" for her, the family size box happened to be on sale, so we've been extending our sugar cereal adventures far into the week.

We celebrated at breakfast, then Daddy surprised her at lunch by coming home so we could all be together while she opened her birthday presents. The absolute favorite gift was from her big sister, who thought of and selected a Rapunzel doll (with very VERY long hair to brush). Marin came up with this idea on her own, and I even thought to myself "hmmm, not sure if Maddie will think much of this", but I was so very wrong. Maddie might have the love language of gifts, because this very thoughtful gift from her sister has made her entire world feel perfect.

Per her request, dinner was spaghetti noodles and donuts :) After dinner, I surprised the girls with a special "night swim" at the local pool, and the open swim session started right around bedtime. They were stoked to be heading somewhere fun instead of heading to bed. The Oregon International Air Show was this weekend, so we were able to swim outside and watch all the fancy tricks in the evening sky. Much better than watching from our backyard (which is louder than Armageddon). Have I mentioned how the wicked loud airshow makes me crazy with little kids? Freaks them all out, so by the end of the weekend they are totally sleep deprived from missing naps and living in fear of the next fly-by. In a couple years, they will think it's awesome, I know :)

Anyway, back to the birthday girl. I have to say, I am continually struck by the depth, complexity, sensitivity, strength of will (one might perhaps call it stubbornness), humor, intelligence, creativity and light that is Madeline Marie. She is a joy, and makes this world a much brighter place.