Let's start with Today

So today is Meriden's 4th birthday.  She had a celebration in her class at Montessori and I was really surprised at how shy she acted while I was there.  I'm sure it was because I was there, but still!  I went in and took doughnut holes.  She wanted to take real doughnuts, but I didn't think that 4 year olds would eat a whole doughnut.  A whole was surely sufficient.  The celebration was really cute.  First they all sang "Happy Birthday" then "how old are you?"  She was supposed to sing "I am 4" but needed a little coaching from her teacher, Mrs. Imberi.

Then each of the children who were 4 already stood up, shook her hand and welcomed her to being 4.  It was hilarious to me.  Then the 5 year olds welcomed her to being 4, then the 3 year olds.  I got to tell about how I got ready for her to come and tell all about her first year with photos.  When I got to when she turned 1, they sang the following song:

"The Earth goes around the sun, the sun.  The Earth goes around the sun.
It takes 12 months, 52 weeks, 365 days.  Then Meriden was 1." All this while she walked around the birthday rug (shown below).

I proceeded to tell of her 2nd year of life.  More photos and stories.

Repeat song, but change "Then Meriden was 1" to "Then Meriden was 2."  Walk again.

Same scenario, different age, different stories, different photos.  Same cuteness.

When we got to "Now Meriden is 4," she got to tell about her plans while she's 4.  Those plans include:

Disneyland
gymnastics
school in the fall
get into things when Mom isn't looking.

It was a lot of fun.  Then we passed out her doughnut holes to each child (except the 6 that couldn't control their bodies and got excused from the circle, the nerve of those teachers to discipline!  I hope you all read the sarcasm into that last one) and had her treat.

I have some really super ladies to hang out with every now and then.  Last week when one found out it was "B"s birthday, she asked to take her out to lunch because "that's what the ladies do for their birthday!"  So we went to lunch with a couple of my friends.  Jeff, who adores B (that's what we call her quite frequently.  How?  The evolution of the nickname.  Meriden, Mer-Bear, Meri-Bee, B ) decided to come too.  He and his girlfriend, Crystal, left school to come to lunch with us.  One friend couldn't be there due to some meetings, but we appreciated her thoughts.   And B loves Bajio's.  That's where she chose to eat.  She loved the gifts she got--makeup and some My Little Pony's.  She loves them!

Then we went to dinner with Granddad.  He was in IF doing some business and we went to Craigo's for all you can eat pizza and pasta.  Yummy.  B had a bowl of penne with alfredo and that was it.  She started complaining of a hurting tummy so Colby took her home, Granddad went home to the ranch, and the older Ms and I finished our dinner.  We came home to open presents but decided to save the cake, candles, and singing until tomorrow.  Now she's sleeping peacefully and I can't believe my baby is already 4. 

I love her and can't imagine my crazy life of chasing her around and cleaning up her messes without her.  Happy birthday, Meriden!