Happy 4th Caroline!!!

Happy 4th Birthday my Sweet Caroline!

It is beyond hard to believe that our Caroline is now 4!  Funny how when I was younger 4 seemed so little and I am quite positive I will share this sentiment as time passes, but for now, 4 seems like a big kid.  She is no longer my baby.  When I hold her I have to wash my pants because he dirty shoes clank against my legs (who am I kidding, nearly my knees... and isn't this the truest sign of a big kid).

Well, last December we went to DisneyWorld and while we were there Caroline b.e.g.g.e.d for a Woody and Buzz Lightyear.  Me being the thoughtful loving mama that I am told her no.  She had watched Toy Story maybe 3 times and didn't care much for it.  Princesses are this child's livelihood.  So we came home with plush a Anna and Elsa duo as well as a plush Ariel.d (not a typo) and Sleeping Beauty.  Which, as predicted, she adores.  I thought this would be the end of Woody and Buzz.  

And I was flat out WRONG.

We came back from Disney about a week before Christmas, and since then I have heard nearly 1x a day every single day, "Mama, I want a Buzz and Woody part.ee for my birfday."  

Lesson Learned:  The heart wants what the heart wants.

So begins Caroline's Woody and Buzz Lightyear Birthday Party!!!

 Elle worked for hours on this precious sign!  I was so proud of her letters and coloring! 

We had fun decor and lots of balloons.  (Because this child loves, and I mean LOVES balloons).

Clearly her cake is not from a bakery, but I was proud at my attempt.

The kids colored Toy Story pics while all our friends arrived.

And played pin the appendage on Mr. Potato Head

Later they went outside to do the Shaw version of Midway Mania.  This is one of the Toy Story rides in Disney that spurred Caroline's obsession love and adoration for W & B.

The kids took turns blowing marshmallows out of their marshmallow shooters to hit the targets.  They loved it until the Alabama July heat started kicking in.  Rainey loved cleaning up.  And I loved Rainey extra for being such a thoughtful helper.

Thanks to 2 massive box fans we were able to go into "Buzz's Blacklight Room" without melting to pieces and enjoy...

the epicness that is the blacklight!

I mean... how fun and simple!  We roped off half the garage with a tarp, set up some card tables and hung some black lights.  I got some dollar store glow sticks and the place was transformed to Buzz's galaxy from far far away.  

We incorporated and little Woody in our Buzz world and had some wanted posters printed up that the littles could decorate with florescent markers.  (and let's face it, who knew they actually would glow! fun surprise!)

The markers even glow on people... holla!

We then went in for pizza and cake and all sugary necessities to make a birthday party acceptable.

Caroline specifically wanted BLUE cake this year.  (again, the heart wants what the heart wants).

I am so thankful for these two and proud to call them mine.

As well as these two!  And so thankful our 93 year old Nanny could make the party!  

And no Shaw function is complete without Elle's beloved Stitch.

We opened gifts (and by we, I mean Elle was a fantastic helper).

Aunt Tracie gave Caroline her new beloved purple scooter Blakely is riding and Fufi and Kaki gave her her very first bicycle!  

She got the hang of it pretty quickly so off to the pool we headed!

And then we crashed.

After the crash we played with all our fun goodies like these bubbles from her sweet teachers and friends Ms. Jodie and Ms. Missy.  Caroline kept blowing them saying, "Ms. Jodie and Ms. Missy love me so much they gives me these bubbles."  And I mean, ever single dip for more bubbles this was the precursor to the blow.  Gifts as a love language??

I could not be more thankful for this sister-in-law sister who is just simply the best.  She makes the Mr. Potato Head for me, picks up cow fabric for decor, drives out of her way for every family event.  Not to mention she knows my heart and loves it warts and all.  I feel genuinely sorry for those who don't get to call her a friend.

One last shot with the birthday girl!!!  

Caroline, I hope you felt celebrated and loved on your 4th birthday.  You are truly a delight.  You are sensitive to others and love your family, especially your sister, with a fierceness I never knew a little one could possess.  I pray the Lord will use your natural sweetness to draw others to Him and that you will be a light that shines brighter and brighter every day.  I am thankful I get to call you my Caroline and that God chose me to be your mama.