Emma's Fourth Birthday

The night before, we set up a special place at the table for Emma with a base of wildflowers gathered from around our home, and her chair decorated with ribbon she picked out. I hung the bunting I made for her before she was born, that hung above the crib she never used. I hung paper streamers from her bedroom door leading down the hall to the kitchen hoping it would lure her out in the morning for a surprise. What I didn't count on was her waking up, excited, at 2:30 am and calling me down the stairs asking, "What is this? What's this ribbon? Why are there balloons?" 

I said we would see in the morning.

And when morning came, this was ready.  A delicious "fruit Pizza" (thank you Pinterest) 

A sugar cookie crust with cream cheese sauce and fresh sliced fruit on top.

And a piece of the Edible Arrangement from Granddad and Coco. She was so excited to receive it the day before, with three balloons attached and delicious chocolate dipped pineapples. Hey, you only turn four once!

The edible arrangement from the day before:

We went to the playground and splash pad in Peekskill to cool off. Emma brought her new Tortoise, Tortle.

Cooling off with a dragonfruit banana smoothie (was supposed to be icecream but the dragonfruit had too much moisture, so... Smoothies! )

 

Once Daddy got home we hung some water balloons for Emma to poke at, this was interesting!

And a special treat after dinner, Strawberry Shortcake with four glowing candles to celebrate the four wonderful years we've had together, and welcome in the one ahead. 

We love you, Emma!