You get a line, I'll get a pole, Honey...

Bibby,

We had your four-year-old birthday party yesterday. I can't even grasp the concept that we have a real kid now. Not a toddler at all. I pray that you always stay this happy and sweet and that time will somehow slow it on down because these 4 years have flown by. When we asked you what kind of party you wanted you first said that you wanted an American girl party but you wanted your friends that were boys to come. Your dad heard this and didn't really think that your boy friends would get a kick out of a tea party so the two of you came up with having a fishing party at Quail Creek. Believe it or not, me, your mother that can't stand the slimy little creatures agreed to it and after today could not have been happier that I did. You had so much fun. I loved watching you play with your friends and get so excited when each one would arrive. The Lord blessed us with the most incredible weather and I think everyone had a great time. Honestly, you were the first to throw in a line and not one minute after your bobber hit the water it was going under!! You caught 3 fish but the highlight was the last one happened to be an enormous catfish. It was so big that it actually bent the hook and got off right as you....well, Brucie, got it to shore. It didn't matter....by this point you were so excited and proud. I couldn't believe it but several of your friends caught fish, Willis even caught one with an old cane pole. We then went over to the playground and ate and did the "piata" as you called it. I loved watching you pass out your favors...you were so proud. I know this day will be forever etched in my mind. You are turning in to such an incredible little girl. I have a hard time letting go of the baby in you but hearing your expressions and watching you learn and starting to spell out words and becoming so much more socially aware is such a joy. The made up knock-knock jokes are quite amuzing as well. You were so excited about your party. You set your outfit out (that Re-re had whipped out overnight) 3 nights before the party and had to get shoes to match. The night before your party you couldn't sleep and got in the bed with us around 3. The next day dad said he hardly slept at all but he didn't mind because he knew the days are numbers that you will cuddle up against him. We love you kiddo and want nothing more to raise you in a way that you love the Lord, are happy and healthy. Thank you for all the incredible memories you are giving us and for being such a good kid (most of the time).

The Standoff

This was you two playing in the yard after dinner, once you had "made up."

Bibby,

You have gotten to be a rather picky eater. Foods that you used to love you have decided that you don't like anymore. Last night I put some turkey on your plate...the best kind, the Boar's Head from Publix and I even cut it in squares because you always eat those nasty turkey chunks off the salad bar but this time you weren't having it. You would not take a bite. Dad and I told you that you couldn't get up or have ice cream until you ate one bite of turkey. Well, it was definitely the battle of the wills. I had vision's of 12 years from now when you and your dad are having a stare down over curfew. I really thought you two might have to spend the night at the table. He said he wasn't leaving until you ate a bite of turkey and your weren't going to do it. Finally, you caved.....of course you only ate one tiny little square and then said it wasn't too bad but of course wouldn't eat any more. After all of the dishes were clean and Virginia and I had been playing I got the camera to document the two strongest willed people I know. Dad did fix you an enormous bowl of ice cream.

Beach babies

Girls,

We made a very impromptu trip to the beach. Your Mammy and MoMo talked me in to going the night before (I think it was so they could go to the Dylan, Mellencamp, Nelson concert and I would babysit) but I was really glad we went. Bibby, everytime we leave the beach you cry and spend the next several days asking when we are going back. Virginia, you really loved it as well. You would get to the end of the boardwalk and literally belly-flop in to the sand. We flew kites, caught crabs, fed the sea gulls, dug sand fleas, made castles and freaked out on the kiddie rides at "The Track." The only bad part about the beach (besides the fact that I always end up on the pullout couch with one of you jokers) is that it really dates you two. I have such great memories being there with you and everytime we go back I realize how much you changed since we were there last. Bibby, Mammy took you to Alvin's Island and instead of getting your usual (bag of rocks or nasty hermit crabs that we get way too attached to and have to "let swim away" in a near by creek) you got a sassy swimsuit and cover up to match. You could not wait to show it to us and had some serious attitude strutting around in it.