Alexa Turns FOUR

On Monday, November 5th my little girl turned FOUR! 

She was a very lucky little girl this year because she got three parties...and three cakes.  We got together with my side of the family, Paul's side of the family, and she had her very first BIG party with her friends as well.

She has been looking forward to her birthday for months now.  Many of the other kids in her preschool class have been having big birthday parties when they turn four so Alexa thought she should too.  She decided she wanted to go to an "inside park" for her party so about 6 weeks ago I began planning.

We decided on a private party at Ager Play Center.  Alexa chose Tangled as her theme this year.  We picked out the invites and decorations at the party store and I ordered personalized cupcake toppers from ETSY.  I then apparently lost my mind and decided it would be a good idea to make 48 cupcakes with purple frosting and sprinkles MYSELF.  I have since decided that I will never  do that again - I will return to my trusty Hy-Vee Bakery for any and all future (large) birthday cakes!

24 kids celebrated with Alexa for her birthday and for the most the party went very well.  Alexa had a lot of fun and I think the other kids did too!

Between the gifts she got from her party, her grandparents, great-grandparents, and other family members I think we could open a toy store.  Of course, Alexa is having a great time with all of her new things but she has agreed to pick out some of her older toys and donate them to other children in need. 

 

I do believe even though Alexa got a lot of fun stuff do play with her favorite part of her birthday was getting to spend time with so many people she loves.  She gets very excited when she's the center of attention and loves that so many people care about her!

I really can't believe Alexa is four.  Before I know it she'll be 14!  I need to slow down and appreciate this stage of her life and the BIG personality she has.  

She is so independent and wants to do everything herself.  Her favorite color right now is orange.  She is doing a very good job of writing all of her letters and can spell some words completely on her own (zoo, Mom, Dad, and Alexa).   She's incredibly smart and always amazes me at the things she knows and what she can do.  

She loves swimming lessons and doing craft projects or drawing, coloring, or painting.  She continues to be more of a tom-boy than a girly-girl but is getting a little more interested in dressing up and playing with dolls.  She's an incredible big sister to Parker and is almost always willing to share with him and play with him.  When he is sad, she will sing a song to him which cheers him right up.  

She's full of questions and needs a constant reminder to use her "inside voice".  She gets excited easily and loves to go on "dates" with Mom and Dad.  She wants a dog or cat but Daddy says no.  Meal times continue to be tricky because Alexa is a VERY picky eater.  Her favorite foods are macaroni and cheese, pancakes, and sub sandwiches.  Her favorite restaurant is Culver's because she loves that she gets a scoop of ice cream with her kids meal.  

She knows just how to push our buttons and is a fairly good manipulator for her young age.  She is our opposite girl.  She will always pick the opposite of what you are trying to encourage her to pick and everything has to be on her own terms.  

We love her to pieces and are so very grateful to have her in our lives!   

Happy 4th Birthday Alexa!!