Keelie's birthday

Today is Keelie's 4th birthday! We had her party on Saturday with about 13 little 3 and 4 year olds. There were alot of kids but it was so fun. We borrowed my grandparents bounce house and figured thats what they would do most of the time. We did try to play a few games but their attention spans are too short and they would just run back to the bounce house. But I was fine with that, less for me to do! Then today, her birthday, we went to the gym (which btw she asks to go there everyday, she likes it there, so I didn't feel bad getting in a workout before we did anything else). Then we took her cousin Kate with us to mall to play and go to the puppy store. Now we are back at home and while Hadlie is napping I am going to paint her nails and give her some extra attention. Then tonight we'll probably get Barro's for dinner (her favorite), and then all her grandparents are coming over for cake and ice cream!

Opening presents


the group eating cupcakes

blowing out candles

jumping so high in the bounce house

I hope Keelie has a great birthday. She is such a sweet, sweet girl. Seriously. Most people don't get to see her sweet, fun personality because she is so shy. But she has such a good sense of humor and loves to have fun. She is still scared of everything, the vacuum, animals, adults, etc. But I think she is getting braver. Instead of running out the room screaming and crying when I vacuum, she just goes to her room until i'm done. Keelie is also super smart. She has always loved learning, which she gets from Joe, not me. She has amazed me by starting to read at the age of three and has such a good memory. She is my little cuddle bug and we cuddle on the couch every night before she goes to bed. I wish she would just stop growing up already!

My sweet girls

So Hadlie hasn't been feeling very well the last few days. Which means she wants to be held alot. Its hard to get stuff done while holding her so I asked to Keelie to hold her for me a few times. She is so sweet and willing to hold Hadlie whenever I ask. Keelie is such a good big sister. How sweet are they!

Speaking of Hadlie, I have been meaning to do an 18 month update on her. She started nursery (woo hoo!). She cries when we drop her off, but is fine soon after that. I don't think that will last long. She will be begging to go in a few weeks. I have been sitting here for a few minutes thinking of how to describe Hadlie's personality. Its hard. She can be the sweetest, funnest little girl ever, but she is also the most stubborn little stinker. She absolutely adores Keelie and copies everything she does. Then the next minute she is clawing her and ripping her hair out. I think Keelie said it best when she said (about Hadlie), she wants what she wants! And she does! And if she doesn't get it she will let you know, loudly! Hadlie is also very smart. She talks pretty well and is starting to say phrases. She is obsessed with puzzles. I don't know what it is with my girls and puzzles but they both love them. Keelie started doing puzzles at an early age too.

Here are Hadlies stats

weight- 24lbs 50%

height- 33 in. 75%

head- 18 1/2 75%

Keelie's dance recital

Keelie had her very first dance recital on Saturday. It was so stinkin cute! I didn't know if she would actually do it cuz she is so shy, but she did! Her movements were very small but I could tell she knew what to do. She loves dance and her teacher Miss Beverly. She also loves that her cousin Kate is in her class and she has made many more friends. I am so proud of Keelie!

Kate and Keelie (grandma Nedra brought them both flowers, they loved it!)

This is the best picture I got of the performance. Keelie is right in the middle. They are mermaids.

Thanksgiving

The Zollingers made the long drive from Texas for Thanksgiving this year. We had lots of fun going to the zoo, shopping, and playing with all the cousins. Keelie followed her cousin Bryce around the whole time laughing at everything he said. I'm sure he loved that. And little Aubree loved Hadlie. She tried to hold her and gave her about a thousand kisses.
My mom had all the grandkids sleep over on Thanksgiving. She gave them their Christmas jammies a little early so they could all wear them. So cute!

Keelie's jammies came with matching ones for her doll.

Pics from the zoo

Keelie was too scared to ride on the carousel so I talked her into just sitting on the bench

We had so much fun and are sad the Zollingers couldn't stay longer. Can't wait to see them next summer!