And Now She's Four | A Conversation With Anna

This little bundle of joy turned four on Sunday.

Four years. Seriously?

So fun to look back through the archives I have tagged with Anna - stories and moments documented from the very beginning of her existence.

She was a big help putting together her invitations last week - writing her name on the pattern side of each invite.

I came home on Saturday night from an auction and Katie had decorated the dining room with punched hearts and butterflies and a happy birthday banner.

Her party choice? Chuck E Cheese of course.

We did her party at 11am and that was a pretty good time when it wasn't too crowded.

I'd say she loved it - especially the blow-up crown. She wasn't as keen on "the big man" (Chuck E Cheese the character - that's what she calls him) when we was actually standing right next to her

That would be Simon's hand on her back, helping her make her wish and blow out her candles.

She also let him go in the ticket blaster for her. She wasn't too keen on getting in that thing and trying to grab as many tickets at possible. He, on the other hand, thought it was the most awesome thing possible.

After the party she went over to Chris' house to open some more presents with his parents and then came back to me for dinner with friends and family. It was a full day filled with lots of love and good stuff from all the people that love her so very much.

Here's a look at the digital layout I put together (just like the one I did for Simon) using Cathy's layered template:


Anna, you are a beautiful, smart little girl. I love your energy. I love the way you play. I love the conversations we've been having and how you are growing and developing your own awesome sense of self. Love you so much sweet girl. Happy Birthday.

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63 thoughts

  1. kat-in-texas says…
    02/11/2013

    Happy Birthday Anna! Big girl! :)

    Reply 0 Replies
  2. Kathy says…
    02/11/2013

    Happy Birthday Anna...I can't believe she is 4 already...I still remember seeing you pregnant standing by your Christmas tree...how time flys. Regards Kathy A, Brisbane, Australia

    Reply 1 Reply
    1. Rina says…
      02/12/2013

      Totally...time flys when you're having fun! Very inspirational!

  3. Mary Beth says…
    02/11/2013

    It doesn't seem possible that four years has gone by! I think the saying is spot-on: The days go by slowly, but the years fly by.

    Happy Birthday, Anna. You are beautiful, just like your Mom.

    Reply 0 Replies
  4. Nitza MG says…
    02/11/2013

    Beautiful! My daughter is only 4 months, but you have given me a great idea to do with her each year! Thank you for the wonderful ideas. Priceless!

    Reply 0 Replies
  5. Wendy says…
    02/11/2013

    Loving Cathy's layered template - snagged & using it with my grandkids. HB, Anna!

    Reply 0 Replies
  6. marsha j says…
    02/11/2013

    happy birthday anna! she is growing up so fast. glad she had such a good day.

    Reply 0 Replies
  7. Lindsey says…
    02/11/2013

    Happy, happy birthday to Anna, and to you too, Mama! ox

    Reply 0 Replies
  8. Jill Kane says…
    02/11/2013

    Love :)

    Reply 0 Replies
  9. Liv says…
    02/11/2013

    The best part is definitely the 'dishwasher' answer!

    Reply 0 Replies
  10. Kim S (nerdgrl) says…
    02/11/2013

    A very happy birthday to Anna (and I love the crown, too!)

    Reply 0 Replies
  11. Brooke says…
    02/11/2013

    Glad Anna had a wonderful day. Through photos of course, it looks like she's grown up a heap in the last 6 months or so. Love the holding her written name photo.

    Reply 0 Replies
  12. Julie says…
    02/11/2013

    Gosh, all of the sudden she looks so grown up...

    Love her smile...Happy Birthday Miss Anna Girl
    Julie

    Reply 0 Replies
  13. Jen says…
    02/11/2013

    Happy Birthday Anna!! Looks like she had an awesome party.

    Reply 0 Replies
  14. katie says…
    02/11/2013

    so so fun! Kelly's 4th birthday [eons ago] was at Chuck E. Cheese too!! Happy belated birthday to Anna! :)

    Reply 0 Replies
  15. Jan from canada says…
    02/11/2013

    Happy Birthday sweet girl...

    Reply 0 Replies
  16. rhonda nickol says…
    02/11/2013

    Happy 4th Birthday Anna!

    Reply 0 Replies
  17. Helen Gordon says…
    02/11/2013

    Ali,
    I only know your Anna through your blog....but my how fast she grew to be a 4 year old. Someday she is going to love all the pictures and albums you have made for her. She was an adorable baby...and is a precious little girl. Congrats on 4 years or raising a daughter! Helen

    Reply 0 Replies
  18. Bronwyn says…
    02/12/2013

    Ali
    I am working with this template but i can't figure out how to change the "name here" block to my childs name or how to change the background color. if it's not too complicated, would you mind telling me how?.
    thanks!!
    Bronwyn

    Reply 0 Replies
  19. Chris says…
    02/12/2013

    I never tire of looking at pictures of the most beautiful girl in the world!

    Reply 0 Replies
  20. Marilyn says…
    02/12/2013

    How sweet! She is so adorable. And loving the photos you've captured of those precious moments. Happy Valentine's week! Xoxo, M @ BT

    Reply 0 Replies
  21. Marie says…
    02/12/2013

    Dishwasher, really? :-) Happy birthday sweet Anna!

    Reply 0 Replies
  22. Asta says…
    02/12/2013

    Happy birthday sweet little girl :)

    Reply 0 Replies
  23. Shawna says…
    02/12/2013

    oh.my. the pic with Simon's hand on her back...perfection!
    Happy 4th Birthday, Sweet Anna!

    Reply 2 Replies
    1. Ann says…
      02/13/2013

      Me too. What a sweetie.
      Happy Birthday, Anna! My baby just turned 4, as well. Wish they could stay little...a little longer.

    2. Sonya says…
      02/12/2013

      Totally agree, it tugged at my heart when I read it was Simon's hand :-) Ali, I've loved watching these two grow through following your blog. So inspiring!

  24. dawn says…
    02/12/2013

    Glad it was a HAPPY day for all of you. Love her sweet smile and personality!! Can't believe she's four either. Happy Birthday Anna!

    Reply 0 Replies
  25. Dori says…
    02/12/2013

    Precious! Happy birthday, sweet Anna girl.

    Reply 0 Replies

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