Hey EVE! I know you are too busy to talk to me on the phone anymore unless it's your idea, but your mom keeps me updated! She told me that you are getting ready to start pre-k and we are all nervous about it! I know you have to wear a uniform, but you can work on the accessories for it. You learned quick how to train your little brother just like your mom did with aunt jill and I. She used to make us do the same things you make Ben do. You have the most unique personality and you make me laugh all the time. We got to hang out when you came to Coffeyville and you wanting me to spin you for hours and you love trying on all the new clothes you get. You are very smart and still ask questions about everything. You favorite thing to do is to get under my long dresses and play with my belly button ring. You were mesmerized by it and would ask me why I have two holes in my belly button. You also kept asking me why I sent your earrings that you couldn't wear because you don't have holes in your ears. I felt so bad, so maybe when your mom gives the ok that is something we can go do together. We share a bond with fashion and I hope it will continue! I love and miss you! Aunt E

happy 4th birthday

It's been a challenge trying to teach the importance of a birthday, but we are getting through. We celebrated by baking a cake together this morning that was a banana cake shaped like a butterfly with a lake on it and fish, a horse, a black cat, and a black cat that has orange stripes with pink icing. You came up with the theme all on your own and with dad's creativity and mom's willingness to go along with just about anything, it happened. We also went to an Irish festival to watch some Irish dancing since that is your favorite. You ordered fish and chips for lunch and weren't willing to try black pudding, but were a good sport with everything else and ate corned beef and cabbage. Unfortunate for you, no Guinness yet. Happy Birthday to a wonderful kid!

What a surprise!

Guess who showed up at your door? Grama did. You opened the door and stared at me for a moment then gave me a big hug! As soon as I got into your house you asked me if I had brought you anything and of course I had. Then, not 5 minutes later, you said,"Come on, Grama, let's build a barn"! We have always built barns together but now the barns have to be more precise. Now, they have to have roofs! I think the barns that you and your Daddy make are alot more elaborate than the ones I make. No matter, it is still so much fun. We had a wonderful time together and spent some alone time...just me and you. Every morning you would come wake me up and we would start the day with cereal and Dora. On Saturday morning, you were up early and your brother and parents slept in. You and Grama went for a walk. We went down the block to Starbucks and you had chocolate milk and banana bread. Then we went into the party room and turned on the TV. You love watching Strawberry Shortcake. The night before I left you asked me if I could stay for 5 more weeks! I wish I could have. I love spending time with you and your family. I wish we lived closer to each other. But, you are coming to Kansas in October and we will have lots of fun then! I will always try my best to be with you on or near every one of your birthdays. You are the most special girl in the world to me. I love you, Grama.