The School of Peppa

This morning on our way to Miss Judy's house I commented to Lola that it was a foggy morning. She said, "It's not foggy, it's just kind of dark." I said, "No, I think it's foggy." She said, "Mommy, fog is a cloud that's on the ground" in such a way that I knew she was reciting it from somewhere. I told her she was right and asked her how she knew that - thinking she would say she learned it in Montessori school. But instead she said: "Peppa Pig."

I'm proud to know all those hours she and her brother spend watching a bunch of animated British pigs run around is actually paying off.

It really is a cute show. Click here if you're not familiar.

Lola's birthday party in pictures

Per her request I made a strawberry cake with chocolate frosting. And sprinkles. I had never made this combo before, so I was a little nervous about how it would turn out. Chocolate-covered strawberries are good, right? So, why not. (It was good.)

We planned to have her party on the houseboat on the lake. We assumed we'd have better weather. It was cloudy, cool and a bit rainy, but we went out anyway. I was so ready for the cooler weather that I didn't mind it one bit, and I don't think the kiddos did either.

Captain Finn:

Cousin Anna, Regan, Lola, cousin Jackson and Uncle Chris:

Baby Hudson is always a hit - especially with Finn.

(He is obsessed with this baby.)

All aboard!

Regan and Lola checking out the snacks:

All the little pirates. Arggghh!

 

After everyone went home, we went to Jackie's for dinner, and Anna taught Lola how to play rock-paper-scissors. A very important skill she will use the rest of her life. :)

Thank you to everyone who wished Lola a happy birthday, came to the party, dropped off a gift or otherwise just loves her. She is a bright light in our lives, always keeping us on our toes, challenging us, and constantly amazing us with how smart she is. Never a dull moment with this one around.

Happy birthday, Lola!

Yesterday was Lola's 4th birthday. On one hand, I cannot believe it has been four years since she surprised us on Labor Day weekend. FOUR YEARS! Yet, there are lots of times I forget she is only four years old, because she is so bright and witty (and tall).

Lola has a very special "Nanny" (aka "Miss Linda"). She came over Tuesday night after Lola went to sleep and set all of this up. If you follow Linda's posts on facebook, you've probably seen the gnomes at her house and the shenanigans they're always into. This time, they threw a party for Lola in our gazebo complete with play-doh birthday cake! 

Surprise!

They even brought her a birthday card.

This year she has been most excited about the cards!

And they brought gifts!

 

Lola requested peanut butter pie for her birthday instead of cake. (Her dad was so proud.) And hey, I'm all over that because 1. peanut butter pie is DELICIOUS, and 2. it is SO much easier to make than a cake. (Although I still have to make a cake for her party on Saturday...)

And then there was this surprise from all the grandparents!

Her daddy picked this out.

(I think he really wants one in his size.)