when birthdays are on a Sunday

We celebrated Biz's birthday by first going to church.  David was quick to tell everyone that she was now four.  

After church was an hour of quiet and then off to the movies.  This was the second time E had ever attended a movie in the theatre and the very first for A.  I talked about the necessity to be quiet for days in advance.  (and ironically, it was D who needed to be reminded most often once we got there) We went to Movie Tavern which is a much better environment for children because the seats are not immediately right next to or in front of or behind someone.  Also, the food helps entertain a bit.  

And the movie we saw?  We went to see Cinderella, of course!  A and E both love all things princess so they loved the movie.  I felt a bit disappointed because it just did not live up to the old animated original, but it was still nicely done.

Afterward, we made a mad dash into Krogers to pick up a birthday cake (the real one will come hopefully soon when she gets her tea party birthday party).  The poor birthday cake was rather falling apart by the time we got home.  We couldn't have anything written on the top because the bakers were gone by then. E picked the pink rose, chocolate cake out all herself.  Despite all, she was happy with it.  :)  And she easily blew out the four candles (sorry...none to grown on).

The presents were opened quickly as well with a bit of help from David.  Some books, some headbands, a movie and a matching outfit for her and her doll.

Now, if we can just get the requested tea party planned and on the calendar...

Finally Four!

Bizbeth is already at least six, right?  Nope.  Had to often remind myself that she was just three years old.  Not anymore.  She is four!  Finally. (even if she does act six much of the time)

Talking about the last vestiges of babyhood, I finally remembered the few words she uses that are not quite perfect.  "bi-per" (diaper) and "grills"  (girls)  She still has a bit of a squeaky voice but even much of that has gone.

She is as beautiful as ever.  The curls have just gotten longer...now when stretched, all the way to her waist!

She is playing equally as well with Abigail these days as she does with David...except when she and Abigail want the same thing.  David's school time has really bonded her and A.

She is eager to help if she knows she will be paid back in some way--even if just to make Mommy happy.  Her job is to put away the silver from the dishwasher.  This little observant girl rarely makes a mistake in placement.

I am so happy that this year has brought about a very drastic and sweet change in her behavior.  She still can get a bit cranky when she is tired (which happens many evenings since naptime is very hard to enforce), but there is rarely the battle of wills or the display of defiance that previously was so much a part of her attitude.  In its place, is endearing affection.  :)  I love this complex little girl!

Happy 4th Birthday, Elizabeth Holland!

the eldest's monthly update

So this month brought another month of maturity.

--taking out the trash in order to get a magnet in order to fill the week and earn his little paycheck (very little!  where we are already teaching the lesson of tithe)

--learning to irritate less and be kind more often to his sisters.

--the closure of basketball...(sorry, missed these last month)

--reading and writing far better... He even read "Owl at Home"-- a 2nd grade reader.  (and look what sweet surprise we received in the mail this month!)

And one day, he passed me coming down the stairs with some random lego designs.  From the other room he tells me that you spell zoo "Z-O-O."  I figured he was reading it somewhere.  No. Here is what I found when I went into the other room...

What a fine young man you are becoming, David!