Happy 4th Birthday Miriam!

Miriam turned 4 today!  She has been so excited about her birthday, and it was a special day.  She got to spend the morning with Aunt Erin and Elizabeth and was welcomed with balloons and streamers decorating the house.  She also got to go to story hour at church where they sang Happy Birthday to her!  I didn't have to work this afternoon, so I was able to come back in time to join them for a lunch of chocolate chip birthday pancakes--yum!

The only candles Erin had were these...

Yup, 3 + 1 = 4!  I thought she was quite clever for thinking of that!

They gave Miriam a Strawberry Shortcake doll set!  She loves it!

After we picked Esther and Peter up from school, we just had to wait for Daddy to pick up a pizza and get home from work to begin the celebration!  We played Guess Who while we waited...

After dinner Miriam opened her gifts.

 Esther picked out a set of Dora rings for her, 1 for each day of the week!

Peter picked out 2 matchbox cars for her.  As we were in the store, I kept having to remind him that he was picking out a gift for her, not something for himself.  To his credit, she really does like playing cars with him and having her own "special" cars to call her own.

We got her a Polly Pocket set, another baby set for her Snap 'n Style dolls, and a couple books for her Tag Junior. 

Finally, it was time for cupcakes!  She chose strawberry cake with chocolate frosting (and sprinkles of course).

What a special little girl we have!  She can be oh so sweet and loving, but also feisty and strong-willed at times.  She makes us laugh a lot.  She loves hugs and snuggles, being read to, playing dress-up, playing with Barbies or other dolls, and playing cars and trucks with Peter.  She is becoming quite the little artist.  Most days she colors several pictures and then presents them to various people.  She wants to do everything her siblings do, and usually keeps up with them just fine.  We are so thankful that God blessed our family with Miriam.  Happy 4th birthday sweet girl!