Happy 4th Birthday Anna!



Anna celebrated her 4th birthday on September 3. While she was excited about her 4th birthday, she is already looking forward to her 5th birthday and all of the things she is going to do when she turns 5 (ride on two wheels, swim underwater, go to kindergarten....she has quite a list of things). Anna was having a discussion with her Dad the morning of her birthday about turning 5, when she asked "what happens when you turn 6?" Good question.

Anna's birthday started a week early with the arrival of the first gift - a full size keyboard from Ms. Be and Mr. Fancy. Despite Mom and Dad's protests, Ms. Be was insistent that Anna needed a piano to practice. Anna is quite into the various back-up beats and has committed to get complimentary tickets for Ms. Be and Mr. Fancy at any future concerts she may headline.

The music continued later in the week with the arrival of a birthday card from Aunt Loren. It was not just any card., but a singing Carebear card, which Anna proceeded to play over, and over, and OVER again. Theresa was forced to search for a suitable 80s radio station at work the following day in an attempt to remove the carebear song from her head. Joe got the carebear wake-up the next morning when Anna showed up beside him at 7 AM with the card (thanks Aunt Loren).

The day of her birthday, Anna celebrated with a party at Ms. Be's. The party continued at home with the arrival of Grandma and Grandpa from Ohio. Anna was the recipient of a princess scooter for her birthday from her parents. Grandma and Grandpa got her Light Bright, a baton, and some new clothes (along with Grandma's grab bag of gifts that she usually has when she arrives, which included a plastic harmonica).



Saturday was another party day as everyone headed to Burke Lake Park to enjoy the gorgeous weather and celebrate Anna's friend Aiden's 3rd birthday. In addition, the group was joined by Pauletta, Wil and Grayson; Mary, John, and Baby Maria (who was making her first public appearance); and Greg, Kristy, & Jacqueline. Anna and Aiden enjoyed fishing together and running around on the playground. By the time everyone made it to the carousel and train ride, the kids were exhausted.

Anna watches Sue light Aiden's candles


The rest of the weekend was spent with Grandma and Grandpa along with a surprise visit from Uncle Rod and Courtney. Sunday was another beautiful day and the family headed to Great Falls National Park. Monday, the family headed to Aunt Gayle's house for lunch and a continued celebration of Anna's birthday. In between all the activities, Grandpa battled the numerous chipmunks digging holes in the flower beds (picture scenes from Caddyshack). Grandpa may be back armed and ready to rid the property of vermin.


Uncle Rod and Courtney left to continue their vacation on Monday morning and Grandma and Grandpa left Monday night. It was a great weekend. Thanks to everyone for all the phone calls, cards, and gifts to make Anna's birthday special. It is appreciated! Now...the countdown begins until the 5th birthday.


Aunt Gayle & Anna with a special bumblebee cupcake

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