Birthday Weekend

Just a quick photo round-up of our weekend and Xi's Birthday Party! She had a blast. It was a horse themed gift extravaganza and she was so excited. She is in-love with all things princess and ponies, so that's what she got! After everyone left Saturday night she kept telling me thank you for her party. She fell asleep with a smile on her face and in her heart. Thank you everyone for making it such a wonderful time!

The day this little girl was born was one of the happiest of my life. I felt that way at the birth of all my kids and my grandson. Xi's birth was a bit rougher than her siblings as she was posterior and a pound bigger. She was born at home on the farm we lived on at the time, in a nice warm tub of water. That day was so exciting for all of us. Lola was with us and boy was she excited! She's an amazing little soul and we are so fortunate to have her in our world.

Happy Birthday my darling daughter. I cannot believe you are 4 now! We all love you more than words will ever express and are so proud to be a part of your world. Thank you for choosing us...

"If we are to teach real peace in this world, and if we are to carry on a real war against war, we shall have to begin with the children." Gandhi

"Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you,
And though they are with you yet they belong not to you.

You may give them your love but not your thoughts,
For they have their own thoughts.
You may house their bodies but not their souls,
For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow,
which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.
You may strive to be like them,
but seek not to make them like you.
For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.

You are the bows from which your children
as living arrows are sent forth.
The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite,
and He bends you with His might
that His arrows may go swift and far.
Let our bending in the archer's hand be for gladness;
For even as He loves the arrow that flies,
so He loves also the bow that is stable." Kahlil Gibran

Enjoy the photos.

William and me...I'm in-love with my gorgeous granson!

Xi is pretty crazy about him too!

Xi and her birthday crown I made. This will grow with her through the years, and every year I plan on adding something else to the embellishments.

Playing with a couple of her gifts.

Pinata treats!

We didn't use a stick to get the treats out of the pinata as Xi didn't want it "hurt", so we attached ribbons and the kids all pulled them at once.

Hanging with Grandpa.

I can't help it, he's just too darn cute!

Xi's new dress from Auntie Grace, and cowgirl hat from Grandma Martse and Papa Dennis. This was on Sunday, her actual birthday and we were leaving to go to brunch.