Reece's birthday is this Sunday, March 21st. We had not planned on doing a birthday this year because we went to Disney last week and also because we are crazily busy with our church plant. Reece has been trying to plan her own party and wanted all her little friends to come. I started feeling really guilty that we were not having a party. So, some of Reece's dear friends (Kate and Grace) from preschool asked us to go to the local museum yesterday. I ended up buying some special cookies and juice boxes for each of them and we had a mini celebration at the museum for snack time. They knew Reece's birthday was coming up and both brought Reece presents (a Little Pony and a bunny stuffed animal). Daddy also came to the museum with us. After about 2 hrs. of playing we invited the families to Chick-fil-A for lunch. Tony had already arranged with his marketing director, Lu and staff that we were coming (I did not know this). When we got there they had reserved tables for us and had it all decked out with tablecloths, balloons on every chair, party favors and plush cows for all the girls, Kid's Meal toys and they even gave us full service. After our meal, Tony offered to take the girls on a behind-the-scene tour of the kitchen. The kids thought this was the coolest thing. They got to see how the food was made and watched for a few minutes (and this was during our busiest time of day so the kitchen was bustling). Then, they gave each of the kids ice cream for dessert. Reece felt very special. Tony and his crew had outdone themselves to make this a very special day for Reece!!!! Thank you Daddy, you are the best!!! When we got back into the car Reece said, "Mommy you are the best mommy ever and this was the best birthday celebration ever!" I told her, "No, you need to be thanking Daddy for the best party ever." She then replied, "Y'all are both the best." :) So, she ended up having "a party" in her eyes. And it got better. We were keeping our neighbors/friends down the road last night for a sleepover. We switch off every month and this was our week to keep their kids. Reece thought this was planned for her and that her two bestfriends (Amy and Bethany) were coming to have a birthday sleepover. So to her, the birthday celebration continued through the night. :) We plan on going bike riding later today because the weather is gorgeous and then we are going to take Reece out to dinner for her birthday tonight. And then tomorrow (on her actual birthday) we are going to have her Aunt Abby, Uncle Joe and cousins over for dinner and cake. Reece will then celebrate her birthday at school on Monday with cupcakes. So, this is ending up being a 4 day celebration. I guess since she is turning 4 this is appropriate. :)
The only downfall, I forgot my camera yesterday so I do not have any photos from the museum or lunch at Chick-fil-A.
On your mark, get set, go....
They had to have their Easter Egg hunt inside because it was cold and rainy.
hunting for eggs
Reece showing off her eggs
Reece with her sweet friend, Grace.
checking out what was in her eggs
Enjoying a yummy Easter snack.
Riley's artwork and clay sculpture is right behind her.
The children studied Van Gogh and he once drew his bedroom so the children did too. Riley's picture of her bedroom is to the left of the red sign.
They also studied Claude Monet. Riley's masterpiece is the one right above the point of the Eiffle Tower.
Eating birthday cookies for breakfast.
Reece LOVES giraffes and elephants (due to the zoo and circus). So, we got her a giraffe puzzle. She was very excited.
Reece got a "Minnie Mouse" doll set (very similar to Polly Pockets)
Reece got the new "Little Einsteins" DVD that is about Animal Expeditions and it has elephants in it. 
Reece requested to have an elephant and a giraffe on her cake hugging each other. Well, this is as close as I could get to her request.
The finished product...
Having fun with our family. It was Sunday night so we had our typical "Fernandez Sunday Dinner" popcorn and nachos. And of course there is Nascar on in the background and Reece is all decked out in her princess attire.
Sweet Josh having fun at the party. 
Josh and Uncle Tony chilling on the sofa together. This was funny....he was crying when his daddy was holding him so I took him and he stopped and then I had to pass him over to Uncle Tony and he started smiling at Uncle Tony. We all gave Joe a hard time after that! Sorry Joe but obviously Josh knows his Uncle and Aunt will spoil him and then send him home! :)
Singing "Happy Birthday" to Reece. Great Grandma and Great Grandpa Fernandez called right before we were about to sing. So we were able to put them on speaker phone and they joined in on the celebration. That was neat!
Josh and Uncle Tony playing together. They are quite the pals.
Riley and Lizzie playing doctor with my stethoscope.
Reece loving on her cute cousin.
Reece getting some birthday lovin' from Lizzie
The girls - oops Lizzie blinked. 
Reece requested Blueberry Muffins for her birthday snack. I was surprised she chose them over cookies.
Reece's teacher, Mrs. Stathelson, lighting Reece's candle. On a side note, it was also Nursery Rhyme day and all the kids and teachers dressed up like nursery rhyme characters. That is why you see "Little Bo Peep" sitting next to Reece and her teacher is wearing a flower on her head (she was Mary, Mary, quite contrary). Reece was Jill from "Jack and Jill." But, she was not wanting to dress up much so all she did was wear a dress and carry a pail. 
Blowing out the candles...
Reece and her best friends, Amy and Beth, went to Build-a-Bear for Amy and Beth's celebration and Reece got this Kitty cat. Amy and Beth's birthday is the day after Reece's. 
