I’m writing this a few weeks after the fact because her birthday lasted a really long time this year!  Apparently 4th birthdays are a HUGE deal and require a couple weeks of celebrating.

The actual big day consisted of her opening her present from Nana and PapPa which she LOVED!

and enjoying a My Little Pony cake with some family friends.

Pretty low key because her actual present was coming the next day.  See when we asked Elliana what she wanted for her birthday, all she would say was “go to Iowa”.  She wouldn’t list presents; she wouldn’t dream of castle cakes.  She only wanted to go to Iowa and to have a Grandma and Grandpa birthday.

If I’m honest, that’s pretty much all I want to do too so I began planning a trip to see my family.  One text to my sisters and mom, and the whole party was planned!  I love my fam =)

If you could see the cake from the other direction, you would see a picture of Grandma and Grandpa.  My little 4 year old was serious about this Grandma and Grandpa party!  She insisted their picture be on top of her cake!

I do believe we might have made the party and the time spent in Iowa a bit too fun.  All three of my children are already planning how each of them can have their next birthday in Iowa!

One of the things I absolutely love about this little girl is that though the presents were fun, the cake was good, and the games were a blast, what she most liked about her party was that she got to celebrate with all her cousins, aunts and uncles, and grandma and grandpa.

She truly puts relationships with people above everything else.  Her tender heart has really risen to the surface this past year and there are times when I’m almost teary eyed at her perspective and love for others.   She will always be our funny, loves to make jokes, the party follows her wherever she goes girl.  But within that extroverted personality lies a tender heart of a young girl who is capable of making even the smallest thing feel special.

We love you so much sweet girl!  Thanks for the cuddles, the sweet words, the millions of cards and pictures you draw me, the patience you demonstrate, and the love for others you possess.   Watching you become your own person is my joy and I pray you will learn to chase after God with the same passion you have for chasing after your friendships.  Happy Birthday!!