Schlitterbahn

Stinkerbell turned 4 on Friday.  And we, of course, had to have a party to celebrate the occasion.  My only problem was that we were going to be in Texas and planning a party from 6000 miles away is a bit difficult.  And then I remembered that Schlitterbahn Water Park is only about 90 minutes from Nana and Grampa's house.  Party location located!  The park has consistently been rated in the top 3 of the world's best water park's.  And I now understand why.

At over 70 acres and over 40 rides, the water park is more than just big.  It's ginormous.  We got there just after it opened and after applying sunscreen to everyone and setting up some decorations for the party, we hit the water.  About 9 hours later, we were just getting out.  Because they were closing.  And we had only hit half of the park.  I think we could have had another full day and we would still not have been able to do it all.  We have vowed to come back and conquer it all the next time we are in town.

I wasn't able to take too many pictures.  Water and my camera don't get along well.  And I forgot my waterproof video camera at home (plugged in and charging so that I could take it along.  Ugh).  But what I do have pretty much captures the fun that these kids had.  Yep, big kids too.  Our day was one slippery slope after another.  River rapids followed by slow, lazy tubing downstream.  It was uphill water slides, and downhill tube rides.  Some in the dark and some with special effects.  All done with a bit of screaming and a lot of smiling.  

Stinkerbell couldn't stop telling me about how much fun she had at her Puppy party.  She had so much fun she wants to do it again next year.  Who knows.  Maybe we will.

 

 First things first - we had to open two presents.  Her new Minnie swimsuit for the park and her much anticipated Leap Pad2 for the car ride there.

Our cabana for the day.  Since it was 109 degrees, we were very happy to have the shade.

 A Leap Pad and second helping of cake break.

Cousins - thick as thieves.

At 4:

You always, always wake up with a smile on your face.

You have learned to pedal your bike forward.

Making people happy makes you happy.

You love to snuggle, on anyone's lap, in anyone's arms, anytime.  

You are curious.  About anything and everything.
You have just learned to swim.  Really swim.

If at least one part of your body is not moving, it means you are asleep.
You can walk on your toes like a ballerina.  And you do it.  Often.

You still have your baby voice, and secretly, I want you to keep it just a bit longer. 

You can brush your teeth all by yourself.  

Your laugh is the most infectious thing I have ever heard.

If someone is hurt you are right there to assess the damage and offer a hug.

Your internal voice, the one you use to talk aloud when you are alone, speaks Spanish.

Things roll off of you like water off of a duck's back.

You tell me you love me at least 20 times a day.  Which makes me smile every time. 

Your favorite way to wear your hair is in puppy ears (one pony on each side).

You want to be a puppy when you grow up.
You sing.  All. Of. The. Time.

You can get anyone to do just about anything with those eyes.

You randomly hug people out of the blue.  A lot.

Your idolize your big sister.

Since you know your big sister better than anyone, you can torture her in a myriad of ways.  And do.

M and M's are your favorite candy.  

M&M's melt all over your mouth, and in your hands.  It is a talent.

You are the happiest child I have ever met.

Today we celebrate your birthday.
Today we celebrate you.
Today we celebrate the fact that you have brought so much joy and light into our lives from that very first moment.  And you continue to do so each and every day.  Everyone who has ever met you has been better for it.  But not everyone gets to be your Mama, so I get the greatest gift of all.  And there is nothing in the world better than that.

Happy, Happy Birthday Stinkerbell!  I hope this year brings you more than you could ever dream.

I love you more than I will ever be able to put into words.

Big Day at the Lake House

First there was this...

and then this...

One learned to water ski, the other to swim.

Big Day indeed.

Happy (Long Distance) Birthday B!

 Right before we left for the airport on Saturday, about an hour actually, we held a party.  It was to celebrate Father's Day and B's Birthday, which fall within the same week (sometimes the same day) and which we would be celebrating about 4725 miles apart.  We wanted to make sure that Papa got the love and attention he deserved on his special days.

We had presents.  We had cake (well, fruit tarts) and we had special soda.  Special because it was the first time MadHatter would be allowed to have soda.

We all gathered in the dining room and sand Happy Birthday to Papa.  We all took a turn blowing out the candles because those pesky candles kept lighting themselves every time we thought they were out for good.

They finally went out.  And stayed out.  So we cut our tarts, clinked our glasses of Bilz Pap (MadHatter's choice for her first soda) and had a great time...

Stinkerbell doesn't like "gas" so she had apple juice.

 

We opened a few presents - even a few that were handmade by the girls

 And we behaved just like our silly selves...

I wish we could do it all again today.  Together.  But we will just have to wait until you join us here on our adventures.

Until then, Happy Birthday to the best Husband, Daddy, Friend that anyone could ask for.  Your girls love you 140 :)  We hope you celebrate in style and know that we are with you in spirit.  We love you!

A Week in the Life

A Wordless Wednesday post (I might make this a new thing).  The past week of our lives as captured on my iPhone, underwater video camera and camera (enough technology for you?).  I don't think I really need words anyway, the girls smiles tell it all...