Abby Turns Four!

This sweet princess is four years old already! She looks like a little lady in her Fancy Nancy costume. Her birthday was on Saturday. We planned a family party for that night. Ben's birthday party planning was also in the works, with a Lego theme. With all the talk about a theme, Abby requested a theme for her party. "Fancy Nancy" it was. Fancy Nancy is a character in a book series for girls. Fancy Nancy loves to dress very fancy and use big fancy words for seemingly ordinary things. We requested Abby's guests (mostly adults) to come dressed fancy to Abby's party and most did so enthusiastically! Where else could you wear that glittery party dress or the tiara from your wedding day? It was fabulous fun! Kurt had a great idea to purchse carnations for everyone to wear. The carnations ended up being great play fun for the children instead - it was a nice touch. Ben and Abby were invited to a birthday party the same day for our neighbor friend, Michael Mundschau, at Pump It Up in Brookfield, which was in the morning...so there was no shortage of fun. After Mikey's party, the kids and I stopped at the dollar store so Abby could pick the balloons for her party. Abby had requested a horse for her cake, so Kurt was busy working on that at home with Lorelai. It was one of Kurt's finest! Besides looking fabulous, it was super yummy and, of course, gluten free! The Mundschaus were kind to loan us their disco ball so we could break out the tunes and the kids could have a dance party. I had produced a 13 question quiz/trivia game All About Abby for the adults to take. Great Grandma Zipfel won the very fancy prize of a scented candle (found earlier in the day in our basement). We served fresh fruit, raw cut veggies, fresh popped popcorn and organic tortilla chips for hord'ourves (thanks to Aunt Sandy and Grandma Krist) and very "fancy" crockpot beef chili and rice noodles for the meal. Although gifts were not necessary, Abby was thrilled with loads of new books, some cute new clothes, some movies, a stuffed Panda, nail stickers, and money. Grandma Krist also painted a lamp for Abby's room that was so adorable and Kurt and I gave Abby a butterfly shaped mirror for her wall and a bean bag chair to match her room. It was a really fun night!

(I cannot seem to get the Horse picture flipped to horizontal)

From 3 yrs old to 4 yrs old, how much Abby has grown and changed once again! She gained 2.5 inches and about 4 pounds. She went from size 3T to 4T clothes. She started preschool and Sunday School. She was diagnosed with celiac disease and she became gluten-free. She has developed friendships beyond her best bud (her brother)...most notably, Kate and Sam Johnson from next door. She also likes to hang out with Ben's friends, particularly Mikey, Ethan and Eli. Abby periodically plays with Aubrey Harris and Prathu B. as well as a few other neighborhood friends as well.

Some things remain the same...much like last year, Abby continues to twirl her hair and suck her thumb. Ben is still her best friend. She still loves to read her books. I would still describe Abby as sweet, opinionated, strong willed, and animated. And, again, a complete joy!!!

Here is the quiz we issued at her birthday party:

1. Her middle name is _________.

2. She most recently told us her aspirations include becoming
a. An Astronaut
b. A Farmer
c. A Princess
d. A person who sells gluten free pie

3. Her favorite princess is
a. Belle
b. Cinderella
c. Snow White
d. Sleeping Beauty

4. Which fruit does Abby not like?
a. banana
b. blueberries
c. oranges
d. grapes

5. How many inches has Abby grown since her last birthday?
a. 0.5 inch
b. 1.5 inches
c. 2.5 inches
d. 3.5 inches

6. What is Abby’s favorite color? _____________

7. What was one of Abby’s first words, after “hi”, “mama” and “dada” (hint: her brother taught her this word)?

8. If she could choose to have a pet, which would she want:
a. a dog
b. a cat
c. a fish
d. a bunny

9. Least favorite place to go:
a. The doctor
b. The dentist
c. The hair salon
d. The grocery store

10. Who is Abby’s teacher? ______________

11. Abby shares her birthday, January 8th, with which famous person?
a. Elvis Presley
b. George Washington
c. Madonna
d. Oprah Winfrey

12. The name Abigail is Hebrew and means
a. Child of the God’s
b. Polite, courteous
c. Father’s joy
d. Graceful lily

13. What did Abby ask for from Santa this year?
a. Princess dress
b. Dolls
c. Barbie
d. “Whatever Ben wants”

Answers: 1. Joy, 2. d, 3. a, 4. c, 5. c, 6. yellow, 7. "Mine", 8. a, 9. either a or c acceptable, 10. Mr. Boris, 11. a, 12. c, 13. d