She's 4 Now!

From Elise's 4th Birthday!

Princess Elise and Princess Audrey Auna, ready to celebrate. They are just two weeks apart in age and Elise got to go to Audrey's party in March. A couple of weeks ago, Elise reached for the JoySchool Calender, which was a little high for her. I asked her if she needed help and she responded confidently, "I can do it, I'm four now!" It was sweet but it kind of broke my heart -she's growing too fast. She is such a loving, nuturing, sparkly daughter. We are so grateful for her and for her development. She is great at drawing her name and other letters, she loves art projects, singing and dancing. She is a joy.

Here is a collage of pictures showing our princess pizza & costume party preparations (cake, cardboard castle, playdough, kiss the frog), the night before the kids arrived... Aaron is as always, a wonderful antidote for my stress. He humors my ideas and does everything he can to help me, even though his philosophy is "simplify" and I tend to complicate things.

Damon and Ches couldn't make it to Elise's birthday celebration, so good thing we had some cupcakes at JoySchool a couple of days before!

Sarah was so kind to take some video for me, and she had a great idea to place Elise on the table to blow out her candles!

From Elise's 4th Birthday!

We are so grateful for Debbie, Jeff and Michelle. They have been such a blessing to us ever since we moved here. At one point in the party, Debbie was on her knees, cleaning my floor! She is so thoughtful.

From Elise's 4th Birthday!

Bubbles and dancing. It worked better in my head, but the kids seemed to like it anyway. In this picture: Aaron, Elise, Alayna, Kate, Sefa, Will & Alexandra.

From Elise's 4th Birthday!

Dear friends, Alexandra, Sarah, and Elizabeth. If you read this, thank you for making the effort to come! It was so wonderful seeing you all. It doesn't happen often enough.

From Elise's 4th Birthday!

The sweet Palmer family: Nizhoni, Sefa, and Nei Nei.

Cute Kate, with Michelle and Audrey in the bottom picture!

More pics if you can stand it. : )

Cherry Blossoms, Kenwood

I am so grateful that my camera is working since our new one got stolen. This particular camera doesn't take the loveliest pictures, but it was also dunked in our beta fish tank and survived! So I can't complain.

I love spring because it represents newness of life and hope, it is so refreshing. We took a wonderful stroll in Kenwood, a Bethesda neighborhood famous for it's cherry blossoms, after General Conference a couple of weeks ago...

Part II, Debbie's Visit

I think my wonderful friend, Debbie is beautiful - she possess a queenly carriage of herself, graceful and poised. And she is a true friend, supportive, loyal, and inspiring in everything aspires to and does. I loved having her visit all the way from Orlando, FL for the marathon! Here are some fun pictures that we took with her camera while she was here. : )

Pretending to sleep, and Elijah is reading an upside down book!

After-race lunch celebration. Thanks, Dad for treating us!

I am grateful for a wonderful spouse, and good friends!

More pictures...