Hangin' At The Library

Recently we ventured back to the library in our town.  We had not been in many moons as the Children's Room in the library really left something to be desired. After a few less than stellar trips there when Grace was young (and I was pregnant with Em) we decided to find a different library to call our own. We adopted the one in the next town over as "ours" and happily went each week for the next several years. Recently, we decided to check out the town library again. It had been ages since we had been there and we thought a change of scenery could be fun. So in we went and were we ever surprised with what we saw! The Children's Room had been redone (and what an amazing job they did!) and a new head children's librarian was hired. She and I chatted a bit as I was checking out the items that the girls and I had selected. She loved hearing that we homeschool and said that perhaps she would even get some groups started during the day for us since there are a good amount of families in town that homeschool too! Needless to say, we are happy to be now be frequent visitors to the library in town and look forward to seeing all the fun things in store for us there!

A Surprise For Emma

A surprise arrived in the mail for Emma yesterday. 

It was from her Aunt Donna and Uncle Peter!

She was so excited to see what each of the boxes contained.

And even more excited to have yet another lovely new outfit for her doll!

Thanks Aunt Donna and Uncle Peter for the fabulous birthday gift! It was a total hit!

The Princess Tea

On Saturday we went up to Salem to attend the Princess Tea at The Hawthorne Hotel. The girls and I had gone for the first time two years ago and thought it would be fun to go back. Dave's parents were to have joined us this weekend, but since there was supposed to be a large snowstorm arriving Saturday afternoon they decided to stay home instead of battling the elements. Since Grandma was not able to join us Dave proudly donned his pink tie and took her spot!

Dave's mom's favorite princess is Snow White so we had to have the girls take a picture with her!

It was a lovely afternoon!  The four of us had a wonderful time, though we are feeling as if the girls have now aged out of this event.  They were easily two of the oldest children there.  We were glad we went, sad that Dave's mom could not have been there but happy to have had some time together.  After all, any chance for the four of us to be together is fabulous with us! 

Monday Morning

  

There is something about the peace that comes after a snowfall. I don't know how to describe it except to say that it is as if the world knows that it's at its most beautiful. In the quiet of the morning, as the world was just starting to wake from its slumber and the members of our family began to stir from the evening's rest, I had a chance to take in the quiet beauty of this day. I soaked it all in, took a deep breath of that amazing winter air and began our day.

Sunday Smiles

Today we gathered at Old Sturbridge Village for Sunday Brunch with my side of our amazing family.  We gathered, first to celebrate Emma and Kaitlyn's birthdays, but also because it had been awhile since we were all together.  Last week I also learned that in Canada they have a holiday called Family Day.  I love this and so wish that our country had a Family Day too!  So, while we may have missed the official Family Day day it seemed like as good a time as any to have our own!

We were also happy to bring home the new additions to the birthday ring.  My Dad has- once again- outdone himself.  The horse and the rainbow are just gorgeous!

{This Moment} Five Trips Around The Sun

{This Moment} - A Soule Mama Friday ritual. A single photo- no words- capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you are inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments section for all to find and see. Many wishes for a most magical of weekends!

Emma Faith Is Five!

Today there was:

Birthday ring exploring, 

birthday smiles, 

and hanging out in the birthday tent.  

There was present opening (first thing in the morning, of course), 

And investigating new treasures.

There were birthday surprises from your beloved sister. 

"A Luna for me?!  Thanks, Grace!"

And new things for her dolls. 

There were cards that couldn't be any more perfect. 

And cake making.

And cake tasting.

And then cake baking (no picture of that). 

Followed by a Mystery Ride. 

"Where are we going, mama?!"

And rejoicing when they saw where!

There was showing Meaghan the ropes of how one gets their nails done at the salon. 

And looking older than their years. 

And loving that the first time these three got their nails done together was on Emma's fifth birthday. 

Then it was back home to get ready for tonight. 

Dinner in the oven. 

A birthday banner made. 

And frosting made for her cake too, of course. 

There was posing for the camera. 

And decorating her birthday cake with her bestest friends. 

And then there was playing (oh, so much playing). 

And some more presents. 

And before dinner was on the table it was time for the birthday ring. 

And now she is five!  This picture just says it all!

And there was (once again) much "oohing" and "ahhing" over this very gorgeous birthday ring that my Dad made for us.  It really is stunningly beautiful. Thanks, Dad!

Then there was much wishing (upon receiving the above picture) that we had been able to connect with my parents so that the new pieces my Dad made for the birthday ring could be part of her ring this year.  As you can see he has outdone himself yet again!

And then it was time for yummy yummy dinner followed by yummy yummy cake. 

Cake and ice cream were served. 

Secret of the Wings was watched. 

And much silliness started as the movie ended. 

If these four kids (and their mamas and papas) don't sleep well tonight it will be shocking! 

It was a glorious day and a glorious way to celebrate her fifth trip around the sun. It will surely be a day we all treasure and remember for years to come.  Happy fifth birthday, sweet Emma Faith!  Daddy, Grace and I are so proud to have you sharing you joy with us each and every day! We can't wait to see what this next trip around the sun has in store for you!  XOXO