An AK Day...with a GREAT ending!

Today was SO much fun for our little Katers, and for all of us who got to watch her enjoy the spotlight for the day.

I think the reason we all loved it is because it's usually not her way. She didn't want us to talk about her birthday last year, and didn't even want me to come to school or bring treats. She usually doesn't like "all eyes on her"...but today, she was just fine with it. :)

She woke up a little confused, probably because she had these two CRAZY sisters yelling Happy Birthday and turning on the lights!

I would be turning my head away too!

Of course, as soon as she woke up enough to remember her birthday, the giddy hugs began and her breakfast was delivered.

Oh my goodness, she was hilarious. She was SO EXCITED about breakfast in bed, and couldn't stop giggling. She wanted her pillows propped up, her blanket a certain way, and she wanted to have her sisters eat with her. She felt very special. :)

After a yummy breakfast (cooked by Daddy this year!), it was time to go to school! Wearing her "It's My Birthday" sash, she happily strutted her stuff right in the front door, past the directors, and into see her friends. There were hugs for everyone (but especially for Mrs. Amy!), and her friends sang her Happy Birthday, Ghana style!

Then, it was donut hole time. This was the snack of choice by miss Abby Kate today. Everyone got FOUR for her FOURTH birthday. (She made sure they knew about this detail.) She got to lead the prayer in chapel and they sang to her again! And she got to find special notes from her sisters in her lunchbox, along with a #4 shaped sandwich! Such a fun school day.

And, the fun just kept comin'! After school, we headed to Pops and Grandma's house to see what Grandma's birthday cake masterpiece was this year. And, oh the suspense!!

Abby Kate was so happy about her cake (after she commented on how Grandma added EXTRA colors than what they had discussed. :) Silly girl.

She enjoyed sharing her three tier cake with her sweet cousins and her Batchelor friends.

She definitely ate her weight in cake! Or, at least in fondant icing! YUM!! (It really was delicious. Grandma is VERY good!)

After playing for a while, we were off to Chuck E Cheese, the final decision for birthday dinner. WHY? I don't know. But, she had fun playing games and winning tickets. (Of course, that bought her a whopping pack of sweet-tarts, but whatever.)

This picture of Kendyll made me laugh. I guess some of us are finally outgrowing Mr. Chuck E...

And, then after all the celebrations, the BEST part of the day came. It was time to get her present from Mommy and Daddy and sisters. After reading the card (and struggling through Daddy's handwriting--which brought on huge fits of laughter as they tried!),

...and after opening Blueberries for Sal (one of the books AK is literally obsessed with),

...she finally opened the gift I've been so excited about. Her own American Girl bitty baby...who looks just like our little one will!

She had mentioned weeks ago wanting a black baby who she would call "Gnawie" (named after a little girl I fell in love with on my trip in January). So, of course, I was giddy from that moment on about buying this doll.

AK was very tired by the time we opened gifts, and she didn't show any excitement whatsoever about her new baby. But, as soon as I showed her the baby papoose I am making for her back, she lit up!! It was so funny! (I haven't finished the papoose, so I had to tie it around her for now. But, now I'm motivated to sew it quickly!) How cute is she??!

From then on, it was true baby love. The baby was fed, changed, carted around in the stroller and the grocery basket, put to sleep a few different times, sung to and read to.

Nothing but Beatrix Potter for this little one. :)

I love all the pictures I got of Abby Kate and her little Gnawie. She is now sleeping safely next to her bed, with her clothes laid out next to AK's for tomorrow. I think my girl's in love.

And, I think I am too. :)

I can't WAIT until this is a true picture of us!!

It was a great AK day. And, we had so much fun celebrating our little "life of the party" girl! Now off to bed for us all!