Happy 4th, Olivia Ashley!!! We love you.

I am NOT a fan of throwing kid birthday parties. I should be given that I have 3 small children, but I just can't get into it. I try to do it for them because of how much they love it. For Olivia's 4th birthday this year I think we found a perfect balance between what we all enjoy and what made her feel special.

It started about a month ago (after we took Gray to the Aquarium for his bday in October) when we decided to explain to Olivia that having cupcakes with her friends at 'YMCA school' and going to SeaWorld would be so MUCH more fun than having a full blown cheesy birthday party. (This is not to say that we will not do the party thing again, just taking a hiatus.) She bought in and was really excited. So, we did it. Starting Wednesday on her actual birthday we had cupcakes and presents, then on Sunday we went to SeaWorld. It was a fantastic experience for us all.

At SeaWorld we had a chance to let the kids feed the dolphins, see the Shamu show, watch the Otter Christmas show, eat TONS of sweets, ride ALL of the kiddie rides, let Mommy and Auntie Ash sneak in a roller coaster ride, and be home and in bed by 8.

We love you sweet girl, happy 4th!

(birthday cupcakes and presents)



Sunday SeaWorld