Sunday, July 10, 2011

Cassidy Turns 4!

We had so much fun celebrating Cassidy's 4th birthday! We can't believe 4 years have gone by since that wonderful day that she was born. We remember it like it was yesterday of course, and I'm certain we always will. But here she is, an official big girl, and we had so much fun celebrating. We had a great group of Cassidy's neighborhood friends and school classmates over for a backyard party. It was a warm, sunny Sunday afternoon and we took full advantage of the beautiful weather. The kids played in the sprinkler and kiddie pools, climbed on the backyard playground equipment, enjoyed some great face painting by 2 of our sweet teenage neighbors, and ate lots of birthday cake. Cassidy always loves a party, and this was no exception. It was a really special day not only for Cassidy, but for her proud Mommy and Daddy too.
We also celebrated Cassidy's birthday with family! On her actual birthday of June 28, which was a Tuesday, Erik took the day off work and we all drove over to Grammy and Grandpa Brown's for a little celebration. Aunt Mel joined us too! We spent the morning at the Morton Arboretum, one of Cassidy's (and Grammy's!) favorite spots, and then went back to G & G's house for lunch and birthday dessert. Cassidy spent the whole morning in a special purple tulle birthday dress from Aunt Mel and Uncle Aaron, and loved every second of it!
We had celebration #3 with the Reder side of the family down in South Florida, where we headed on a trip just a few days after Cassidy's actual birthday. More on that trip in a later post, but it was yet another fun birthday party with all of the Reder aunts, uncles, cousins, and of course Grandma and Grandpa Reder. Emily and Ellie helped to prepare special cookies that spelled out Cassidy's name and we got to jointly celebrate Ellie's 9th birthday, which took place on July 3. Such fun!
So after all these festivities, we're pretty sure Cassidy feels very celebrated, which is lovely. Because we love her so, so, so much! As I have told her nearly every night for the past 4 years, we love her "as much as the whole wide world, forever and ever, no matter what." Happy birthday big girl!