Happy birthday to Hazel!

Hazel is four!

Yesterday was her birthday, and we had a blast.

We started the day with a dance party. Mom played the Beatles "Birthday" and we all danced for a while and sang to Hazel.

When we headed downstairs for breakfast, Hazel was greeted by her first present -- her very own scooter! She has wanted one for a while and was pretty excited. When she got to the breakfast table, she found even more gifts -- birthday/summer shoes from Bubbe, art supplies from Oma, and star-shaped crayons from Aunt Lauren and Uncle Ryan. She put her shoes on right away and then spent the morning coloring.

Hazel gets serious about art,
even before the sun has a chance to come up

We had a fun afternoon too. Our friend Ethan came over for some coloring fun and cake. Mom made one of Grandma's famous chocolate cakes with Reese's Peanut Butter Cups inside and peanut butter icing on top. After he went home, we went outside so Hazel could test out her scooter while I rode my bike. Hazel made a new friend at the park, then we went to dinner at Fuddruckers.

Fuddruckers must have known it was Hazel's birthday because a balloon artist came around to our table. Hazel and I had her make balloon motorcycles for us and she made a tiger for Turner. While we were there Hazel opened more presents -- books from us and jewelry and a jewelry box from Aunt Susan, Uncle Stuart, Aunt Pat and Uncle Neal -- and we had more cake.

By the time we came home it was pretty late, and Hazel didn't have it in her to open any more presents, so we saved the rest for Friday morning.

Scooter drama!

As soon as she got up, she opened a write and draw kit for her Tag and rock-shaped crayons from Aunt Laurie and Uncle Jonathan and a bunch of fun workbooks from Bubbe. She also got a bunch more fun stuff from all of us here at home. It was a fun start to the day, and nice that she could spread out her birthday a little bit. Tonight she'll open the last of her loot -- her cards from everyone.

Thanks to everyone who helped make Hazel's day special!  XO

For pictures of Hazel's fourth birthday, click here.