Fairy-style birthday party

This past Saturday we celebrated Zoe’s birthday with some of our family and friends.  We decided to have to the party at a local nursery that hosts a fall festival for young children every September and October.  We were the only party that day, so it was quieter than normal.  We were really lucky to have a day that felt like summer.  We were so thankful that so many people were able to be there – some  even had to travel quite far. 

I had lots of fun over the past couple of months with planning her party.  I was pinning ideas on Pinterest like crazy!  (What did we do before Pinterest???  Oh, that’s right, I had a favorites bar that was a MILE long!)

I made as much as I could – the fairy wands, the fairy wing napkin holders, the pixie dust flags, and the cupcakes and cake (with the help of my talented friend, Dawn!)   I’m pretty sure the smallest guests all flitted about with their wings and pirate hats.

I’ll leave you with one of my favorite pics from that day…eating a cupcake is like Christmas morning to her.  I just love the anticipation on her face. 

Happy birthday to the most amazing little girl that brings so much joy, love, and happiness to our lives every single day. 

1st day at preschool and her 4th birthday

Wanted to share a couple of pictures from her big day.  Zoe started at a new preschool program today and loved it!  She can’t wait for tomorrow to go back. 

You can tell by her expression…it says it all! 

We celebrated her FOURTH birthday today, too!  How is that even possible?

The day was extra special because we got to talk to her birth mom and her birth grandma.  They wished Zoe a happy birthday and we got to catch up a little bit.  So glad we could talk with them.  Hope we get to see them soon!

Love this little girl – big girl! – so much!  Can’t believe how much she’s grown…she amazes us every day.

End of summer wedding

This isn’t adoption-related, but it was an event that was a big part of our summer.  My cousin and his fiance were getting married at the end of August, and they asked us if Zoe could be one of their two flower girls.  We were very excited to say yes, but I reminded them of her age and that I didn’t know if she would actually be okay with walking down the aisle on the big day.  They were okay with that.  So we had a day of dress shopping, a shower, and a rehearsal all before the wedding day. 

And then the official day came along and everything went so well…

Outside of the chapel…

My sisters looked beautiful…I look like I’m sleeping standing up…

…as did, of course, the bride and groom!  (I’m not including pics of the other children that were in the wedding, but they were adorable.)

One of my cousins walking with one of my newest cousins…

More cousins!

My mom and dad got out on the dance floor a bit, and Zoe encouraged everyone there to do the same!  She literally went up to  people she didn’t know and tried to get them out there to dance.

It was a beautiful day…so happy for Allan and Glenda and all of their children.  We were so happy to be included.