Friends Party

On Sunday Gracie had her fourth and final birthday party with all of her friends. It was a great day, the weather was perfect, and everyone she invited was able to be there. We had another princess party, and this year I even made a castle cake! The girls had fun playing games, dressing up, making wands, breaking open the pinata, and eating yummy cake and ice cream. It was a great day! Phew...birthday week is over!! Gracie and all of her friends The cake!...this was extremely difficult to make, however the recipe online said it was super easy...I don't ever want to make one of these again. It was worth it though, Gracie and all the little girls loved it.

Playing "pass Cinderella's slipper" Felicity decorating her princess wand Gracie and Reagan working on their wands Caroline all dressed up and decorating her wand

Gracie got to serve tea to all of the other princessess All the girls worked really hard trying to knock the pinata down, but eventually, the king (daddy) had to step in and finish it off. Musical chairs...they loved this game!

Apple Farm (Sept. 17th)

Charlie and I got to go along with Gracie and her class to the Apple Farm. It was a beautiful day and the kids had such a good time picking apples. They each got to load up a whole bag, and they were delicious! They also got to help out using the cider press and then each kid got to have a taste of apple cider. We had a great time!

Family Party

On Monday Gracie took cupcakes to school and her whole class celebrated her birthday. I forgot my camera that day. Then on Tuesday, her actual birthday, we had both sides of the family over to celebrate. I made spaghetti, green bean casserole, and caesar salad, all of Gracie's favorites. She got a ton more presents, including the barbie and the diamond castle barbies she really wanted. Then at the end of the evening Daddy and Papa Chuck pulled up with her BIG present, her playhouse!! She was so surprised when she saw it. I had the video camera rolling and it was so cute to see the expression on her face when she realized it was for her! They have had so much fun already with this house, and Charlie loves it too!

Trip to the Lake House (Sept. 12-14th)

I know I'm really late posting all of this, but better late than never right?? :) We had a great time up at the lake house. The weather was horrible, thanks to Ike, but we had a good time just staying indoors, eating and enjoying some relaxation. On Sat. it cleared up for a few hours so we took the kids fishing. Gracie loves to eat fish, so she was excited when she caught one. It was her first fish! She helped Grandpa Bill clean it and then she ate it. We can't wait to get up there again next summer! I know this is kinda gross, but they loved watching the fish flop around. Gracie and Grandpa Bill cleaning her fish The last night we were there everyone decided to throw Gracie a surprise birthday party, and we pulled it off. She was super surprise and very excited. Blowing out the candles....thanks everyone!

Charlie's first fishing trip Daddy and Charlie watching sissy fish Uncle Wes helping Gracie reel in her first fish Gracie was a little scared to touch the fish Her is Gracie with her first fish!!

Guess who's FIVE?!?!

5 years old!!!

Gracie's due date was Sept. 16th. I thought for sure there would be no waw that she would arrive on her due date. But at 12:30am a few hours after I'd gone to bed, I awoke to find my water had broken. Twelve hours later my beautiful first born, Grace Anne Gentemann entered the world. I still cannot believe that 5 whole years have passed by. Gracie has been such a blessing to our lives. We were young and not married long when we had her, but she made us a family. I love everything about her. The way she smiles, the hugs she gives when I really need them. I love her silliness and I even love her never ending talking. When she's gone at school I miss having her around, always wanting to find the answer to something or to help me around the house. She is such a good helper and such a good big sis, she really looks out for Charlie and always wants to include him in with her when she's playing. She loves Jesus and her little heart is so tender and full of love for her family and friends. I feel so blessed that God has given me this little for a while. May she continue to grow in "grace" and love. Though I love watching her grow....I keep telling her to slow down, stay little. Love you sis, Happy Birthday!!!!!