Happy 4th Birthday Claire!!!

I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing four years ago today - marveling at the (then) newest member of our family. We fell in love with her immediately ... and she continues to bring us laughter, joy, and the occasional attitude to this day.

She loves princesses, Wrigley, "not soft" blue bear, ballet, swimming, preschool, and her best friend Phoebe. She's not fond of spiders, green beans, or going to bed.

Today she is four years old and has a big day planned. Emma and Grayson made a big deal over her at breakfast. None of the usual squabbling over who get what cup/spoon/bowl/whatever. She then had gymnastics and lunch bunch before preschool.

She's responsible for snack this week. I know many of you can relate to just how monumental this undertaking is. It can't be just ANY snack - thanks to today's "big government" preschool rules, it must be: healthy, individually wrapped, and require minimal effort. It can't be homemade, sugary, frosted, or otherwise fun. And ... it must pass four year old muster. We went with apples and caramel dip. It was healthy and seasonal. I sent my apple slicer in hopes I wouldn't be deemed the "high maintenance" parent. The two preschoolers I polled said it would be appropriate for their discerning palates.

Tonight she gets to plan the dinner menu. She wants chicken fingers, macaroni and cheese, and applesauce. Ice cream for dessert. You've gotta love a girl who knows what she wants. She does ... and we do. Happy Birthday Baby.