Allie turns 3

On September 17 our Allie girl turned THREE!

Like many girls her age Allie is very into princesses right now, so we thought it would be fun to host a princess tea party outside under our big shade tree.  It was a lovely day.  Her friends arrived and picked out jewelry and tiaras to wear, we all ate cupcakes and finger foods, then I led the little ones on a treasure hunt to find Cinderella's glass slipper (with a surprise at the end of princess play packs for each to take home).  Allie opened her gifts and then she and her friends spent lots of time playing in her new wagon and swing.  I laid out some quilts under the trees for the girls to sit on, and I love the feminine touch they added to the party.

On Allie's actual birthday we went out as a family and did lots of her favorite things.  Luke took her out first thing and got donuts from our local bakery.  Then we went to the mall playground and she rode the train.  The train conductor even let her have an extra free ride because it was her birthday.  And of course, we ate lots of leftover party cupcakes throughout the day.

Oh Alliegator.  Words or a blog post can't fully express the extent of our love for you or the depth of blessings you've brought to our lives.  I've loved watching you grow and learn the past year.  I loved watching you become a big sister and so gracefully welcome another little person into our home.  You are brave, strong, passionate, sweet, fiery, zany, thoughtful, and purely wonderful.  And you make us all better.  We are beyond grateful God chose us to be your family.

Happy Birthday, my sweet girl.