Remember This

These photos were taken during the happy birthday song part of Natalie's 4th birthday party. Because I love being behind the camera, I am rarely in the photos. I was pleasantly surprised to find these photos when I was looking through the birthday shots. I love that Nat will have these photos to remember her (as she would say) about how much she was loved when she was four.

Four Years Old

Hard to believe we've had this kid for 4 years already. Watching her grow has been one of the greatest joys of my life. She loves being outside and working in the dirt, so a garden-themed party was in order.

Stop 1: Ranch dip-makin station.

A hidden letter bug to be found by partygoers.

The garden.

Chef Jake, helping the little ones make their ranch.

Puppet Show, requested by Natalie. Who knew she loved the one from last year so much she'd remember it and want another?! We were happy to oblige.

Sutton lovin on his new little bud, Brody.

On the bug hunt.

So proud to have found and swatted her last bug.

Spelling out her name with the letter bugs.

Digging out their veggies.

Found all the veggies on her list!

Ella, cleaning her produce.

Painting their watering cans.

Such concentration.

Enjoying the delicious veggies she found and ranch dip she made all by herself.

Avery, one of our new friends here in NC. She is one cute kid.

The choas that began after all the planned party activities ended.

Sutton and Kathryn, one of his biggest fans. We love Kathryn.

A special thanks to our cheese quesadilla caterers and veggie slicers, Granny K and Mrs. Rhonda. They've already been approached about a 2nd job at Kylee's birthday party in October! May take that long for their hearing to return to normal. :)

And one little photo of Sutton and his best buddy, Grandaddy. Practicing "this little piggy" so he can be a pro next time he gets his hands on little Brody.

Oh how I love these parties. I love trying my best to think of something Natalie and her friends will love. I love the planning, the prep and the actual party. But most of all, I love that sweet girl God blessed me with. I will never forget the prayers, faith and grace it took to get her. I will celebrate her life every year to the best of my ability. Happy Birthday, Natalie Glenn. I hope you know you are loved!

Four Flowers

On the fourth day of school, Natalie turned four. She also had these four beautiful pink flowers delivered to her classroom from her Daddy. I can't think of much more that melts a mama's heart than when her daughter is the recipient of such love. I love that her Daddy is teaching her, by example, what she deserves in a guy. The fact that he came up with this birthday gift for her made me love him all the more. We foster the belief in fairy tales in our home. Because we don't just believe they come true, we know it.

Come On, Irene

Natalie had a pretty bad thunderstorm experience at Granny and Grandaddy's this summer. Apparently it was the loudest sound they'd all ever heard, then more loud noise (which Nat is sensitive to), then sirens as the Fire Dept headed to the major fire that lit up the ditch behind their house. Since then, she no longer sleeps through storms. Needless to say (but I'll say it anyways), she slept in our room for the duration of the hurricane. It was a cozy little pallet, according to sleeping beauty. Oh, and it should be noted, Sutton Paul slept the entire night through without a peep, all the way upstairs in his own big boy bed. My how times have changed since that little guy was a baby. Praise the Lord for sleeping babies, whether in your room or not!

We Are Family,

I got all my brothers with me.

My entire family has never had an entire week together for as long as I can remember. Well, all that changed this summer. My biggest brother, Terry and his family came to NC and it was SO much fun...and pure chaos! Our kiddos are 12, 5, 4, 3 and 2!

It was great to have everyone in our home for the first of hopefully many family gatherings to come. The Idaho Klings announced during this trip that they plan to move our direction in March, so these little gatherings should be less few and far between! Yay!

Grandaddy is typically the man of the hour when it comes to the grandkids. He's getting pretty great at multitasking.

Fueling up.

One of Isaiah's big belly flops, caught mid-air. We are counting our blessings that Granny survived being the only adult in the pool that night.

Sutton, trying on Uncle Terry's cowboy boots.

Natalie showing her great, great Aunt Sallie around the house. She was happy to see the beautiful mirror she gave us up on the wall in the bathroom. Having her in our home was quite a blessing.

Playing dress-up.

Granny and Sutton lovin on each other. No surprises here.