Ballet BFFs

I am a firm believer that everything is better when your best friend is involved. Leilani loves going to ballet class every week because she gets to spend time with Rubie. Every Tuesday they squeal and hug like they are being reunited after not seeing each other for years.

Rubie's mom, Julie, took these pictures before class tonight. I think this is the best photo of the girls so far.

Please notice Leilani's headband. Daddy got her dressed for ballet today and when he wasn't looking she added that little something extra. At least this time it matches! We called her Leilani Newton John all night because Mike said she was "Rocking her 1980's look."

Great photos Julie... as always!  I think Julie should be taking pictures professionally. Wouldn't you agree?

Dress up day.

Since I have been sick with Pneumonia for the past 2 weeks, Leilani has not had much Mommy fun time lately.  Today she said, "Mama.  I know what will make you feel better.  I will dress up and you can take pictures of me."

Here she is in her Tinkerbell costume.

This is her fancy Belle dress (which was also her Halloween costume last year)

Something about this new Princess Tiana dress makes her feel the need to spin around.  I guess it's true what they say... "Sometimes a girl just needs to twirl."  Oh. You've never heard that expression?

Leilani was right.  I DO feel better now!

Fun in the tub

After a hard day of preschool and then playing at the park, it's nice to come home and unwind with a nice relaxing bubble bath.

When you're four years old...

We are learning quite a few of the things you're able to do once you're 4 years old. #1- You can dress yourself.

Leilani is becoming quite the little fashionista. She spends HOURS in her dress up closet coming up with unique ensembles. Then she comes out and models them for us. We always know something fabulous is coming because she runs to wherever we are and shouts, "Introducing.... LEILANI." And then twirls about to show off her latest creation. This is one of my favorites.

Princess Tiana headband. The top from the Boise State Cheerleader outfit (thanks Aunt Pat & Uncle Gary!). Ladybug ballet tutu. Hello Kitty rainboots.

#2- You can work on the computer all by yourself. Leilani has a few programs that she's gotten really good at. She can turn on the computer, log in, start the program and off she goes! For Christmas she got her own mouse and keyboard and she loves it.

4 year old Leilani

Today we went to the movies and Fuddrucker's to celebrate Leilani's 4th birthday. She decided months ago that she was having a HUGE party and has been inviting everyone to it since early last summer. She invited all of her friends, the kids at school, the checker at the grocery store, a man who told her she had pretty hair one day, etc.

Instead of the party extravaganza we had a family movie date. We all went to see Princess and the Frog (of course!) It was very exciting because Poppy and Daddy hadn't seen the movie yet and she was very excited to introduce the two of them to her favorite thing. (These top two photos were taken by Julie.)

Of course the girls dressed up like Princess Tiana. Any excuse to wear a costume!

Here's the gang waiting for the show to start.

It's not a party for Leilani unless Samuel is there too!

Leilani and Grandma Linda

We love the Navarro Family!!

Even Auntie Randi came to join us for lunch.

Aunt Callie never misses a Leilani celebration... even if it means getting on a plane to do so.

Grandpops skipped the movie, but made it for burgers afterward.

Grandy and Poppy

Make a Smilebox slideshow

4 year old Rubie

We went to Shakey's Pizza for Rubie's 4th birthday party. The kids all had a ball. Rubie has been counting down the days until her big day because her mommy told her that when she turned 4 she could chew gum. You have to love a kid who shrieks with joy when she gets a pack of gum as a birthday present.

After lunch the kids all played in the game room. As you can see, Leilani and Rubie both have excellent Skee Ball form.

Rubie is crazy about Tiana (just like her BFF) . She got this adorable Princess and the Frog baby doll.

But the final gift of the day was the one that brought the house down. Leilani gave Rubie her first bike. She was so excited that she actually hugged the box. We were so proud of Leilani for not giving away the secret in advance. Normally she would have said, "Here's your gift. I got you a bike."