Princess turns 4!

Maya turned 4 today.  Wow!  Can't believe she is already 4.  She is such a sweet (and spicy :) part of our family.  I am so grateful I get to be her mom.  She teaches me daily how to truly love someone and show them that you love them through kind, genuine compliments and little moments of affection.  She is a great example to me.  

We had an awesome day.  Grandma Julie came up for the weekend.  We love how Grandma Julie tries to come for our birthday celebrations.  It is nice to live close to her.  The children definitely know that she loves them.

We started the morning with Maya getting to open Grandma's present (Mini Cupcake maker) and one card (She chose Aunt Autumn's :) Then the kids played with Grandma.  Then we headed to the beach.  It was a little overcast/cold at first, but shaped up to be a nice beach day.  It was a riptide warning so we couldn't get in the water, but the kids liked playing in the sand just as well.  After the beach, we napped :)  Then, we headed to eat at Chili's.  We had a coupon for free kids meals so it was a fun, inexpensive time.  When we came home Maya opened her gift from us (Barbie Squinkie House) and from Jadyn (Squinkie bracelet and ring).  We then had cake/ice cream and played Squinkies until bedtime.  It was a fun-filled family day.  We love you Maya!

*Note: I convinced Maya to use leftover decorations from her party 2 years ago.  I had to make note of this for you observant folks who maye think it looks familiar.  Yes, I am lazy.  However, I am also enjoying not stressing about the decorations/perfect cake, etc.  I am enjoying just being with my children and having a fun-filled day on their birthdays.

Bennett took the frosting tip from Maya's cupcake maker and accessorized!

He proceeded to walk around the room with it on his foot

On our way to Chili's for dinner: happy birthday girl

She was so sweet and let Bennett have her chocolate milk

Maya absolutely adores her Dad

Giving Bubby a pat pat

Sisterly love (still can't get Jadyn to smile showing her teeth most of the time)

Party!

Maya opening Aunt Beverly and Aunt Loretta's card

Wahoo, money!

Barbie Squinkie house

Maya was so excited to blow out the candles...we told her to wait until we sang her Happy Birthday....so she blew them out as soon as we started the song :)

Minimal effort cake...I mean, how exciting can it look when I only took 5 minutes to decorate it.   I have realized my efforts to make pretty cakes were too time consuming and it tastes the same!

Part of Jadyn's present to Maya: I love what she wrote to her.  They love each other so much and truly are best friends.