She Did it Again!

Adeline brought me to tears again tonight.  She completed her third quarter mile run.  She has won a place in the spectators heart's and the fan fare she receives practically drops me to my knees in gratitude; for the fans cheering my girl on who is well over a minute behind the rest and for what my little girl has become.  My favorite fan is the race coordinator who practically does flips for her as he cheers her on from the finish line.  Last place has never felt so good!  You just have to be there to appreciate what is accomplished in these four minutes.  I should correct that, Miss Belle ran a sub-four minute race tonight.  She has brought her time down well over 30 seconds. In her words, "I ran fast like the Lightening McQueen race car!" 

Savannah is still in a fierce competition for 1st through 4th place with the same girls every week.  So much so that they call out the vying for places throughout the race.  I am very proud of her for hanging with the leaders of the pack and much more experienced runners.  She has come in fourth place each race. 

Lila continues to hang at the back with Adeline and then breaks away to run her own race.  She runs a hard race and, at least once each race, spies the runner ahead, kicks it into gear and passes her.  It is an obvious and deliberate move which shows me she is pushing herself. 

Feeding Ducks

This is how Savannah feeds a duck. . .

This is how the duck lover feeds a duck. . . (yep, it took it out of her hand!)

And this how Adeline tries to feed a duck. . .

A Birthday in Baltimore

Savannah selected Baltimore as her birthday party location this year.  We all enjoyed this choice and our time together as a family.  We arrived the day before Savannah's birthday and took some time to walk around the Inner Harbor.  It is so familiar to my girls and they enjoy revisiting their favorite spots every time we go.  Adeline was feeling particularly patriotic.

This visit was a little different since it involved a birthday party.  My self proclaimed not-so-fancy girl decided she wanted to try what all of her friends have been doing for years - a make over in a salon.  This included an up-do, nails and makeup.  We also purchased a pretty, formal dress for her to wear.  Watching Savannah undergo her transformation made me weak in the knees.  Not only is she one pretty girl, but HOLY MOLY the girl looked OLD!

We let Lila take part in a quick makeover which is right up her alley.  She couldn't wait to get fancy like her big sister.  She looked mighty old and beautiful too.

Next, we were off to the hotel room for the requested "dance party." Savannah had specific ideas about this party and I put my own little twists on it. Savannah wanted to be pulled out on the sled, like they do at My Gym, for her grand appearance. Next, she had certain songs she wanted to dance to, a candy hunt to complete and candles to blow out. I added a disco ball, confetti and glow sticks which made her smile. Here she is in her fancy dress and doing, what is her idea of a dance party pose.

It didn't take two seconds for Lila to find away to use the confetti.

Next up was cake. . .

Before the party came to a close and we headed out to dinner, Savannah took some pictures with her Mommy and Daddy.  We love her so!

Eight and Oh So Beautiful. . .

I am talking about the beauty that rests deep down inside her heart.  I LOVE this girl!  I just wish she wouldn't keep getting older.