Evelyn is Four!!

 Where has time gone? This busy girl used to be a peaceful baby content in my arms! She is still a very snuggly girl, but only in short doses or when she is tired. Otherwise she is zooming off to do something exciting -- all day long! Several times I have checked on her at "quiet time" to find that she is merely arguing with her imaginary play friends, but is (other than being very loud) behaving herself.

 She is unsure about the extra attention, but has been counting down for her birthday since Sinterklaas, since, after that she was told it was only a little while 'til Matthew's birthday. Then her's came after that (oh yeah, and maybe Mom's too). So even on Matthew's birthday she was half expecting us to start celebrating her already!

 Nathan and Melanie made Evelyn some gifts. A wall hanging from Melanie and a jewelry storage box.

 The next day we had Evelyn's party! We went back to the indoor playground that her siblings had chosen before. Evelyn likes to know what to expect!

 We were the only ones there (except for a brief while when one child came) so while Evelyn was busy with Jennifer the older ones could have a good rousing game of tag!

 Trust me, it is not easy to catch smaller people when there are awkward corners to get through -- even if overall you may be faster!

 Evelyn and Jennifer took off in their spaceship...off to the moon maybe?

 The ball pit, despite being shallower than the one I remember loving in West Edmonton Mall as a kid, is a hit! The little balls are supposed to stay in, but that doesn't apply to the big balls!

 Evelyn does not cooperate for posing (but Jennifer is always super duper eager!

 Daniel, caught in the middle, played peacefully with the girls for a while, and joined the rowdier game during it's calmer intervals.

 Swimming to the edge of the pool!

 The afternoon of the big day a senior friend from church showed up so we went for an impromptu walk on the golf course.

 A lot of golf balls got collected! And since Evelyn is now four I refused to pick her up even for a brief respite, and she handled it quite well. She knows she's long overdue for walking on her own two legs more often!

And we sang happy birthday! Evelyn refused to blow out the candles. Perhaps because they are too enjoyable to watch. Or perhaps from the embarrassment of having to blow them out so ceremoniously. Nathan eventually did it for her because he was worried he'd end up eating wax!

Happy Birthday Evelyn! You're a spunky little girl, and growing up way too fast! (Not that you think you are -- you'd rather be ten. :o )