She is 4!!!

After months of talking about it and counting down to the big day, Addie's birthday finally arrived. And now she was 4!!! 

We had big plans to celebrate reindeer-style. :)

But first- the last day of the Advent calendar. They always have trouble understanding why the daily door-opening fun has to come to an end!

One more piece of official birthday business- charting Addie's growth since turning 3 1/2. She really grew a lot in the last six months. She's almost caught up to Collins's height at that age.

Then on to the festivities! First Big Ed's for birthday pancakes...

and a very special biscuit (covered in molasses and whipped cream!).

And a lollipop...could not say no to anything on her birthday. :)

After a few panicky moments when I couldn't find our Rudolph tickets, thank goodness they found them and we were in in to see our favorite Christmas show. Birthday disaster averted.

Yes, in a risky move, we took the baby...

and believe it or not, he actually did pretty good. Don't tell his father, but I think he likes musicals.

It was fun having Gigi and Pop Pop join us for the show this year...

The girls felt fancy in their matching Christmas dresses...

The show was fantastic as always! I love our tradition of seeing it every year, and it's been a neat to see it on Addie's birthday the last two years.

Back at home, we kept things simple with cake and presents. Addie decided against having a party with friends this year, and that was perfectly fine with us. We celebrated in a low-key way that made her really happy. Pancakes, Rudolph, cake and presents...what more could a cute four-year-old ask for?!?

So you're not going to believe this, but my sister did not make the cake- I did! 

I found an image of this precious reindeer cake and knew we needed it for Addie's reindeer party. But the problem was, Alli couldn't make it for me because she was in Hickory for Christmas. So Mom had the genius idea to order a plain iced cake, and I could just decorate it from there. It saved me a TON of time, especially considering we were coming back from Hickory that day. 

I picked up the cake, rolled out the fondant, made the ears out of cardstock, and voila! A cute little Clarice. :)

Addie loved it. :)

Luke approved as well...

and then it was time for a lot of presents!

She was thrilled with all the gifts...

Collins was sweet to make her a butterfly pillow.

She had a wonderful birthday! What a year of growth for Addie. Physically, our girl has stretched out and gotten long and lean. Emotionally, she has grown so mature and has gotten so thoughtful and observant and sweet. She helps me out so much with Luke, and is very much a second mother watching over him. She loves to read books, play with her Barbies and dolls, and adores Collins. She is a fantastic dancer and singer, can really climb a tree these days, and says the funniest things. I am so proud of her every day, and the beautiful and sweet little girl she has turned into. Happy 4th birthday, Addie Bear. We could not love you more!