Ruby's BirthDAY

We try and make birthdays as special as possible around here.  It's important to us that our kids know how awesome they are and how happy we are that they're part of our family.  Here's a quick breakdown of what we did to celebrate Ruby's special day last Thursday.

First birthday picture of the day-- one of my favorite traditions (thanks Les for the idea, all those years ago!)

First things first-- the annual first picture of the day.  After our photo shoot I made her french toast and we let her open her gifts.  

Notice the crown?  It says "Happy Birthday Ruby."  She wore it everywhere all day long-- her idea!

She got the big girl bike of her dreams.  She's a pro on the balance bike, so Brandon refused to leave the training wheels on her new princess bike.  It will probably take her awhile to get the hang of balancing and pedaling, but whenever the sun comes out and the sidewalks are dry we take her outside to try.

Checking out her birthday loot.

The first of one of her many indoor rides that day.

She also got a Barbie pool from Wyatt and a Jake and the Neverland Pirates toy from Papa Gary.  She was so excited about the pool that she gave Wyatt a big hug and a kiss.  Wyatt was so excited about the pirates that he sneaks into her room whenever he can to play with them (and sleeps with 1 in each hand at nap and bed time-- even now, a week later).

How sweet is this?

Everyone loves Jake and the Neverland Pirates.

After that we went to the gym, ran an errand, and came home for lunch and rest time.  Pretty typical stuff... Then I let Ruby girl help me bake and frost some cupcakes.  By the time we had cleaned up Brandon was home and we practiced riding her new bike outside before we left for City Creek.  For well over a month her birthday wish was to try on dresses at the Disney Store and pick out a new dolly-- so we obliged.

Pro style-- Daddy is training his bike riding buddies young.

Wyatt was anxious to inherit the balance bike.

We dined on food court pizza-- Ruby's request-- and then walked over to the Disney Store.  She had the best time walking all around the store and looking at all the dollies.  After she selected one we spent about 20 minutes trying on dresses and accessories (there is a giant princess dressing room in the middle of the store).  She was in heaven (and I have to admit it was pretty fun for me, too).  Wyatt had a good time as well.  He carried around a Jake and the Neverland Pirates toy the majority of the time.  We ended up buying it for him and putting it away for his birthday.

Our little mermaid.

After we got home we sang happy birthday and ate our delicious homemade cupcakes.  We even let the little princess stay up late and watch Dragon Tales.  After all, birthdays only come around once a year!

This is the first time I realized that we share the same nose.

I love that Wyatt is enthralled with the boat while we're all excited about the cupcake!