Wednesday, May 26, 2010

A 4 Year Old Bug

Seems like just yesterday she was a pupa.  0059 ps'd

The larval stage passes so quickly. 

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My Bug’s so big now, she can ride her bike like a pro.  She took Uncle to the park to show him she could ride in circles on the basketball court.

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That gave me time to make her aquarium cake!

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My No-Food-Dye policy went out the window for the day…along with it’s buddy White-Sugar-Reduction Policy.  But that’s okay.  Apple flavored Fruit Roll-Ups really do make the best seaweed. (FYI—that dress I’m wearing hurts!  The elastic in the arms is soooo tight.  I just had to mention that so when you see later photos of me in another dress, you don’t think I had scheduled an outfit change like a celebrity at an awards ceremony.  Although I am totally that glamorous.  In an alternate universe.  On Opposites Day.)0077

See that hairy arm reaching in and stealing ocean rocks, a.k.a Jelly Bellies?  That’s my husband.  He’s taking precious marine paraphernalia!  (stomps foot)

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We took Bug to the Monterey Bay Aquarium for her birthday, so her cake had to be just right.  Who knew they make gummy octopi? Fabulous.

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Bug had 2 requests for her birthday.  One, that I make homemade pizza for lunch.  Roger that.

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And two, that we play fantastic games in the backyard.  Grandma and Papa contributed greatly to that request by giving Bug a Jump-o-Lene.  It’s the most fun any three kids could have bouncing around like the little joeys that they are.

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She got a few other gifts, like a bug house of horrors that quickly became home (and later death trap) to three unsuspecting snails. They were later baked to a crisp on accident.  Oh dear.  (Our problem is not compassion or empathy.  It’s time management and attention span.  However, their deaths were not in vain (by our weak standards) because we got to marvel over their scientifically amazing creepiness first).

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Uncle provided the Bug Encyclopedia so we could learn about all the interesting creatures she collects. 

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And what fun is entomology if you can’t see the little buggers up close?  (This picture cracks me up).

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But, as is customary in our family, we kept the material things to a minimum.  The real fun is in the excitement of impending CAKE!

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Even at 4 (or should I say still at 4), Bug has the capacity to relish the simple joys. 

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In her world, there’s plenty of time for the wishing.  (Don’t let the candles rush you, my precious girl.  There’s always more wax to melt and the world can wait while you say your prayer).

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In her world, family coming over is the paramount excitement of the day.  (Don’t ever stop running to the front door, little one.  That exhilaration you feel is love walking in).

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And in her world, the exploration and discovery is all part of getting to the destination!  (God help me not to rush her past it).

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Now about those fantastic backyard games?

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A water balloon fight was in order. Bug’s got double ammunition!

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Bexy couldn’t believe his good fortune to be born into such a family.  He was beginning to have his doubts, spending all day everyday with a bunch of girls.  But this…oh this.  “You mean to say we actually get to THROW these?At people?!  On purpose?!  And not get in trouble?!”

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“Something tells me I’m in to something good!”

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After the war, in which both sides had stinging red patches on various torso areas, we played catch with the balloons to see who could keep the balloon intact the longest.

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Dee’s burst pretty quickly.

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As did mine!

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A sneak attack:

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But don’t worry.  He’ll get his.  Bug has a sneak attack planned on Uncle.  She says (quite covertly):  “Uncle David, stand there while I do something”.  Uncle David does his best to look completely naive as to his fate.  (Don’t get caught in the cross-fire Dee!  My little fluffy mop-head!)

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After we were done pelting each other with water balloons, we found an alternate use for the Jump-o-Lene.  It also doubles as a rat wheel.  Perfect.

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Then into the pool to harass Grandpa.

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However, it appears Grandpa got the last laugh.

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Happy 4th birthday my lovely sweet (and drenched) Bug!

27 comments:

Unknown said...

Great pictures and looks like a great party!!
I absolutely cannot believe that she is four. I thought the same thing when Will turned four last year. Our babies are growing up! How can that be?!?!
The fact that your little ones are going to be two in a few months also escapes me. I mean WOW.

You are awesome. Keep up the great work!!

Unknown said...

What a cute cake! It was adorable! I wish Bug would help Baby Boo get over her fear of bugs. She is beyond terrified of even ants!

How much fun everyone had in the yard, playing games. That's really what it's all about. Fun and family! Happy Birthday Bug!

Heart2Heart said...

Elle,

What fun it looks like you all had. So glad that the day remained warm and sunny so you could enjoy the outside.

The cake, so cute and creative. I love all your ideas and maybe borrowing some of those very very soon.


Love and Hugs ~~ Kat

Meghan said...

What a sweet girl! Happy birthday to the big 4 year old!! Love you Bug... from your Auntie Megs!

Sarsa said...

I can see why Bug wanted me to see the picture of the cake last week. It turned out fabulous! It looked like she had a very special day full of love.

Dandy said...

That cake is incredible! Seriously. I'm not sure what it is about this post... all of it... but I just love it. I love her wishing expression and her magnifying glass picture. I love the family gathering and backyard fun but my favorite parts are the little notes to Bug.

I can't believe she is 4. I really can't.

Muthering Heights said...

Happy birthday to her! The cake came out very well. :)

Flat Creek Farm said...

Oh, happy happy birthday sweet little Bug! I loved and enjoyed every minute of this post. Adorable cake too! -Tammy

Buckeroomama said...

Such a joy-filled post! :)

Your cake is simple AWESOME!! Bug will have such beautiful memories of her birthday...

Christina said...

So, so sweet!! I love these pictures, and the memories that you guys made. What awesome family time. Her face is so wonderful with her cake...I love that! What a fun, fun day with those you love!
I got Eliana that same bathing suit this year. Cute! :)

InWeighOverMyHead said...

Happy Birthday sweet beautiful girl!

Alice said...

Oh my goodness what a completely LOVELY birthday!!! She is absolutely gorgeous and I love her passion for fun and cake and family. God bless her! xxx

Jana said...

It looks like she had SO MUCH FUN. I could tell it was a joyful day for everyone. I cried actually. Bug is so special. So glad she has a momma like you! Dee's hair *swoon* oh and Bex's boyish nature is cracked me up. Typical! hee.

Jana said...

WAH! forgot I LOVED THE CAKE. The scuba diver was sooo cute. Great job, I may be stealing your idea.

McVal said...

What a wonderful party! And the cake is gorgeous! Wow...
Happy birthday Bug!

Unknown said...

That my dear is absolutely the best way to spend a birthday!

What a beautiful cake, by a talented Mama! The look on her face when she sees the cake is so precious!

And, I'll let you in on a little secret, I am quite familiar with the alternate universe, I'm pretty much considered a permanent resident. ; ) It's nice to be in good company!

Just tell me one thing, how are they all growing so fast?? What are you feeding them?? : ) The twins look so grown up. *sniff*

This is an absolutely beautiful post, I love all of it and I'm still laughing over the rat wheel!

Happy Birthday Bug, fabulous four is full of fun, fun, fun!

Hugs ~Andrea~

Andrea said...

I love this post :) And that cake is awesome!!

Ingrid_3Bs said...

Happy Birthday, Bug!!!

Elle, you did a fabulous job on the cake so great. I'm going to make one for my lover of the sea and sea creatures! She's turning 11 in two weeks.

Questions, how long start to finish? Help?! And will you email me a list of all that I need to recreate my very own cake. Helpful tips would be fabulous, too :)
~ingrid

Yelena R. said...

Happy Birthday Bug!

It looked like a super fun birthday and I love the cake!!

Unknown said...

awwww great pictures and as always, great descriptions! Makes one feel like they are a part of the day! :)

~from my front porch in the mountains~ said...

I smiled all through this. Your house is covered and filler with Love. How luckey are those 3 kids!

And what a cake! You are one creative gal! Bug is one luckey girl!

Happy Birthday, Bug!

xo, misha

teamkyte said...

What a great party!!! It looks like everyone maintained respect for Grandma and she stayed dry!

Sorry about my cat - she is a nut case!

心良 said...
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Dana said...

Oh what a wonderful day! You are so good at capturing the heart of the moment with your camera and words, I swear I felt a splash of water on my face! Love to you all! Happy Birthday Grace!

Susan said...

Oh, I'm so sorry I was so late to the party!!! Happy Birthday, dear, dear Bug, you darling little girl! You're growing up before our very eyes. Your party looked like so much fun and you got the BEST presents and your mommy made the sweetest, most clever cake (which I am sooooo gonna steal!). What a lucky, lucky girl you are to have such a wonderful family to share this happy time with. Hugs and kisses!

CottageGirl said...

Happy birthday to Bug! I can't believe she's 4!

First off ... the cake is just fantastic ... you couldn't have gotten a better one at any bakery ... What a great job you all did!

Next ... just by the look on everyone's face the backyard games were a big hit! What a fun day for Bug!

COUNTRY MOM said...

Elle, Happy Birthday to your beautiful daughter:) I really enjoyed this post. I LOVE the cake and all the pics:)

What did you use for "Sand" on the cake, was it Brown Sugar? What were the longer green sea leaves? You did such an awesome job. I used to decorate cakes years ago, but got so tired of it. Now we just buy them. This cake looks like so much fun to make.

Thanks for sharing. Thank You also for the Anniversary wishes. Have a great day. Blessings,