{happy 4th birthday, amelia}

So, last Tuesday was Amelia's 4th birthday!  She had been soooo excited about it since Meredith had her birthday in February.

A few weeks ago, my mom had mention that she was going to my sister's house for a few days near Amelia's birthday, and she wanted to know if Amelia could tag along.  Ummmm....yes.  The best part was that they were leaving on April 1, and I kept accusing my mom of this being a cruel April Fool's joke. :)  

Thankfully, it wasn't.  Although, I think my mom might think twice before taking Amelia and Eden to the zoo together {by herself} again.  Neither Amelia nor Eden has ever won "easiest grandchild" award.

So, Amelia comes home on her birthday in the afternoon, and even though I'd been without her for a couple of days, those two days were jam-packed full of things to do.  It was much easier being down a kid!  So, I clicked through Pinterest {my favorite obsession} and found some easy butterfly cupcakes that I knew Amelia would love.  

She's easy to please.  She would have loved anything.  Seriously, she goes head over heels for the simplest things. :)  {I love that about her.}

See...she's thrilled...

So, we get to the present part of the evening.  We bought her the cutest little wooden match game from Paper Lullaby.  Seriously some of the cutest stuff.  Click over onto Shel's blog {always.} for the link if you're looking for a gift.

Anyway, so she loved the match game, and then it was time to give her the little scooter that I scored at a local children's resale that I attend every year.  Seriously, it was $8.  We have 1 scooter already.  Three girls and one scooter just don't go well together.  This one was a bit more suited for the 4 year old crowd, and I knew she would LOVE it.  {On a side note, I saw the exact same on in the Target ad on sale for $27 the weekend we gave it to her...oh, how I love resales!!}

Ok, so we decide to put it outside on the cement so that she can start riding as soon as she sees it.  Claire and Meredith blindfold her, and I carefully lead her outside.  {Seconds earlier, while in the house, she tells me that she can walk outside by herself, even with her blindfold on...I should have taken this as a warning sign.}  

I put her in place behind the scooter and run in front of it so that I can snap some pics:

What happens next is all a big blur.  Instead of standing still, she decides to walk straight ahead.  I was watching her through my camera {why I didn't continue clicking, I'll never know}, and I watch her tumble right over the scooter and face-plant into the concrete.  I screamed!

Josh grabs her as fast as he can, but we were both just so in shock that she was walking toward it in the first place.  Sobbing.  Tears.  I thought this was supposed to be fun!!  Anyway, so I yell at Josh {because she's still blindfolded}, "Take off her blindfold!!  She'll quit crying when she sees it!!"

So he does.  And this picture is what I like to call, "My pain is gone because I have a new scooter!!"  {I also thought it looked like she might have been looking at a winning mega-millions ticket.  One or the other.}

Ok, so you've never seen a happier little girl.  Complete joy.  

Now focus.

She was obviously thrilled.  My single regret of the entire evening was not having the video camera.  I am not joking when I say that I think we would have been the next big winners of America's Funniest Home Videos.  The entire scene was priceless.

Now for the cupcake.

 

Happy birthday, Amelia Kate.  You are one of the chattiest girls I've ever met, and you love gum more than anyone I know.  You are so full of energy, excitement, and fun.  We love how your eyes get big and your voice fluctuates as you tell the simplest of stories.  I love how you wish Daddy a Happy Valentine's Day when he walks through the door at night.  Your energy and love for life is contagious.  On the flip side, if looks could kill...well, let's just say that you've got a few that could. :)  You are silly, funny, and lovable.  We are so blessed to have you as a part of our family.  As you would say....I wuv you soooooooo much! {insert big hug here}