Nathalieland Update - Mommy/Drawing/Parenting/Summer

Mommy's Little Girl. Jessica's still all about Mommy and I'm soaking up every minute of it. She loves to do just about everything with me, from snuggling to playing to eating. I hope this never ends! (I know, wishful  thinking).

Fairy Drawings. One of Emily's birthday gifts was a book about how to draw Disney fairies. Much to my enjoyment, Emily has been asking me to do the drawings. I'm learning so much and really enjoying drawing some authentic-looking fairies! Then the girls have fun painting or colouring in the pictures.

Some of my drawings

Unconditional Parenting. Steve and I just finished reading an eye-opening parenting book called Unconditional Parenting by Alfie Kohn. It challenges the effectiveness of punishments and rewards, and offers a unique approach to parenting. Definitely an interesting read!

Summer Days Winding Down. It's hard to believe that there's only one day left in August and the school year is about to begin. We've had such a lovely summer! I'm going to miss this.

Playing in the rain

Emily, the bug-lover!

And Then She Was Four

We spent a lovely, low-key day celebrating Emily's fourth birthday, just the way she likes it. She was indulged with special treats, chose her favourite meals (noodles), and given the chance to do what she liked most (staying home is what she wanted, so staying home is what we did!). Of course on special days like this I go camera-crazy and take pictures of everything. So here's a glimpse of our 4-year-old's birthday day.

Nutella for breakfast at 5:45am 

Watching The Magic School Bus

Colouring

Four years ago, at 8:32am exactly, Emily was born. At 8:32am today, she was...

Exploring the fields in the fog!

Then it was gift-opening time!

Getting creative with wrapping paper
(which we're currently out of) 

Tinkerbell: Secret of the Wings!!

She was so excited

Reading some new books with Daddy

Let's not forget Jessi -- she was drawing a butterfly...

SO EXCITED to watch her movie!

Playing some playdough

"Cute as a button"? Yep!

 Outdoor snacks

Today we sang :)
Happy birthday to yooou! 

And she had no problems blowing out her candles

She ended the day still in her pyjamas and riding her tricycle on the deck.

And Jessi had fun too, of course!

Happy fourth birthday, my sweet Emily! Mommy and Daddy love you more than words (and pictures!) can say.
xox

Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust!

Pictures from Emily's Tinkerbell/Clank-themed birthday party.

First, a little pre-party prep:

Getting the hubby to blow up green, yellow, and pink balloons

Making cupcake toppers

(Tinkerbell shoes and hammers)

Butterflies!

Seating for 20!

Testing the icing

Let the party begin! ... with a Clank costume and some dancing.

Birthday girl

Bobble, Clank, and Tinkerbell

Cousins showing off their Tinkerbell shirts

My nieces, born 11 days apart; first time meeting!

Supper time:

Ham, cheesy noodles, corn, and cucumber

Emily opted out of having the Birthday Song sung

And struggled to blow out her candles

(Cousin Roger helped with the last three)

But she enjoyed her cupcake!

Only one more day until my big girl officially turns 4!