Full Tilt, Wide Open

Pops arrived later than we did to the zoo. When Natalie spotted him, she ran as fast as her feet would carry her until she was up in his arms. No feeling quite like being loved, especially when the feeling is mutual.

We're doing fine, Oklahoma...

End of summer trip to OK.

Nonnie the great with all her great grandkids.

I think Sutton is mimicking Darby's underbite. :)

Wrestling with Nonnie.

Trying to hijack Uncle Chris' truck for Daddy.

Mimi's bed is always coziest. I should know, I make sure to take any and all naps in there whenever at all possible. Please note: my children are not twins, but sometimes they look and act like it. Not sure if Sutton saw Natalie playing with her lips, but it's kinda funny how they're both doing the same thing.

Sleepy buds.

Cheer camp.

Helping cut and serve her cake.

FOUR YEARS OLD. Seems like just yesterday that I was praying for a baby...

Water Park in Norman.

Pops may be notorious for feeding Cheetos to babies, but he also encourages dental hygiene!

Serious about education.

The ZOO train. Our favorite part of every zoo.

Really hot days make refreshing drinks more refreshinger. :)

Checkin out the chimps with Aunt Dana.

Lion King.

Role reversal.

Mimi was a bird magnet, much to her surprise!

And of course, her little twin was one too.

a little bird talk. tweet, tweet.

In Nonnie's backyard haven.

More water? Sure, anything for you.

It may have lasted longer than any other trip we've taken to OK, but it felt like just one more super-speedy trip. Time flies when you're having fun.

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!