A Little Bit of Birthday

Last night we started off Gwen's birthday celebration, just a few days early. Scott and I realized late in the afternoon that last night was going to be the only evening that all six of us would be home together at dinner time until Sunday... and you just can't ask an almost four year old to wait a few days later than her actual birthday to celebrate, so we went for the early birthday dinner. It was especially fun because she wasn't expecting it... the other kids and I were able to decorate and pull together a fun birthday dinner and cake to surprise her, and then after dinner we hid a couple gifts for her to open. Fortunately I did have her gifts ready, and several of our extended family sent birthday gifts for her back with us at Christmas as well. At first I felt bad that we were doing it this way, but then I decided it might even be more fun to spread the birthday excitement over several days.

She loves the blowing out candles part... we repeated it several times last night, and again today! Since her actual birthday isn't until Friday, I'm thinking we're going need to stock up on matches. :-)