Claire turns 4

Okay, it happened a couple of weeks ago, I know. But better late than never, right???

Dora was our Pinata victim this year. Several tried, but she seemed unbeatable
(If you click on this, and the following pictures, to enlarge them, you can see Carson flinching and covering her ears in every single one. I guess to drown out the sounds of Dora's screams...)

Josh helped our nephew take a swing. WTF is with the mile long metal pole, Josh???

Ultimately, Bri was the only one able to defeat Dora, taking her head clean off.

I have no problems with saying that Dora deserved this. It's her voice. It kills me. Thank you, Bri.

Almost no spit was blown on the cake this year. The girl is getting some serious candle-blowing-out skills

Did I mention the face painting?...

Overall, the party was a great success this year. Claire got some really nice gifts (props on the HM nightgown, Jess. You win, hands down. Well, you may have tied with the stereo/HM cd combo, but that nightgown doesn't play songs all day and night so, in my book, you won.) Also, she was an amazingly gracious host, and expressed gratitude for every single present. ("I love it! I love it! Look mom! I love it!")

The sweetest moment came when Emma emerged from her little shell because she was so excited about the gift she bought for Claire. She ran across the lawn shouting "That one is from me, Claire! That one is from me!" Then, THEN, the kid who cringes at affection, accepted a HUG FROM HER SISTER. It was momentus, I tell you.

Thank you, Megan, for all the pictures. Don't worry everyone else- I repaid the favor by taking pictures of her naked pregnant body expelling a child a few weeks later...