Brooklyn Turns 4!

In our family, June is birthday month! I counted the other day and between our little family and Jon and I's immediate families there are 9 birthdays in June! Add Father's Day to the mix and it is one very busy (and expensive) month!

Brooklyn turned 4 on June 4. She seemed to have a good day even though it ended up being a bit chaotic. Jacey woke up sick that morning and we spent half the day running back and forth to the auto mechanic to get Jon's car fixed. I had good intentions to make her a special birthday "train" cake, but unfortunately between all of the running around and taking care of the baby I was never able to find the time to do it. Brooklyn didn't quite get the concept that her birthday lasted the whole day, and kept asking throughout the day "Is it my birthday yet?" Probably an indication that the day started a little bit slow and unexciting! We did finally get the ball rolling that evening when we took her to Winger's (Weiner's, as she calls it) for dinner. That is her favorite restaurant because they give you popcorn before dinner and then they give fruit snacks with the kids meals (two of her favorite snacks!) After eating at Winger's we came home and did a little family birthday party complete with balloons, streamers, presents and birthday cake (from Albertson's). Brooklyn got some Thomas the Train toys, a couple of books and puzzles, Play-Doh, a bubble blowing gun, and the grand finale--a big inflatable water slide for summer, which we haven't been able to use yet because it has been cool and very windy ever since her birthday! She has been begging for one of these water slides for a long time and we can't wait to break it out!

For some reason this birthday was a little bittersweet for me. I guess it is a combination of realizing that Brooklyn may be our last girl and that she is growing up way too fast for my liking. I loved the 3-year-old age so much with her and had such a good time with her over this last year. This year has also been a great one for her because it marked the end (hopefully!) of her kidney issues and all of the tests and medical procedures that have plagued her since birth. Brooklyn is such a sweet and funny girl and has been such a blessing to our family. She keeps us all laughing and helps to lighten up the mood in our house. We love you Brooklyn!

3 weeks old

4 months
8 months
1 year
2 years
3 years
4 years old!
Her big present!
Loving every minute of her birthday!