Marianne's Birthday!

Marianne started planning her fourth birthday last November, shortly after her third birthday. She wanted it at Luke's house (her cousin), in Flagstaff, with Luke making her a cake and Joshua providing the balloons. She invited every friend, acquaintance, and even quite a few strangers to her birthday at Luke's house, and was only slightly disappointed when she realized they wouldn't be able to make it. (Because they didn't know the way to Luke's house.)
She even requested that Cutesy drive her to Flagstaff in her red sports car...and that's how she wound up in Flagstaff, a day before the rest of us, with Cutesy and Grandad. She got spoiled rotten and loved all of the attention.
On the glorious morning of her birthday she got to open presents (yay Doc McStuffins!),

and the softest white tiger from Grandad,

 and she was only upstaged by her super adorable baby nephew...Leo you're killing me with that smile!

We decided to have a picnic party at the park and play minute to win it games. The older kids and adults were thoroughly entertained by this plan, but all Marianne wanted was to have Luke push her on the swings...which he did for the better part of an hour. It's no wonder he's her favorite!

 The most photographically satisfying game that we played was one where you had to get the cookie from your forehead to your mouth without dropping it. Rus won. It turns out that a beard is like an ace in the hole in this game. Tyler deserves an honorable mention though for impressive facial contortion.

 Marianne's favorite part of the day was when she got to open all of her presents. She got an umbrella which she has wanted for a long time (think tears at Marshalls numerous times), a little succulent plant from Luke, clothes, and I'm sure much more that I've forgotten.

 Later that night, after she conked out for a much needed nap, we were able to make pizza in Mike's pizza oven. Best. Pizza. Ever. Doesn't she look a like she's still half asleep?

 And finally, here are the cupcakes we made, that Marianne specifically picked out, that we never actually ate. We were too full from all of the delicious pizza.

Happy Birthday Buggy! I love everything about your big spirit. You fill my life up to overflowing!