June Bug is 1, 2, 3, 4...

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Your hair is getting longer and ends in a curl,
you like playing dress up, Mommy and Daddy's precious girl.
You still get up at the break of dawn,
wanting breakfast, and to know if you can turn your light on.
You do love your projects and you are learning to write;
"school" is your idea of how to start the day right!
In the kitchen with Mommy is where you love to be,
this year we figured out that our girl needs to be gluten-free!
You are an animal lover and a great caretaker at that,
getting up early to take out our new dog and to feed our new cat.
You don't mind getting dirty.  You love to be outdoors-
 bugs, worms and dirt- exploring God's creation on all fours.
"Stompers," leotards, slippers, and tights,
dancing to "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," our sparkling light.
You adore your big sister, you two are so tight,
I pray for many more years of your talks in bed late at night.
You are Reesie's protector, you love her so,
even when you fight, forgiveness you are learning to show.
Your baby boy brother you can't wait to meet,
you lie next to my belly to see if you can feel him kick your cheek.
God gave you a servant's heart through and through,
Mama's little helper, you always look out for things you can help do.
You say that you will never leave me, and I pray that it's true;
to be a mama like me is all you want to grow up to do.
I pray, little one, that you know of God's relentless love and grace,
and that He will never leave you no matter what in this life you might face.
What a year it has been and I can't wait to see what else is in store;
I can't believe it, but our Gabriella is 1, 2, 3, 4!!!

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We celebrated June Bug' s 4th birthday at Old Orchard Beach in Maine.  We were away on a much anticipated early family summer vacation. The night before we had a scare with Roo that ended with me taking her into the ER and getting a cast for a possible broken arm. (It has now been confirmed that is was not, in fact, a break, but most likely a dislocated elbow.)  While laying in the hospital with my second child awaiting the doctor, I remembered four years early on the same eve laying in the hospital awaiting the arrival of my first child.  It is crazy how life pushes on, and although trials are sure to come, I thank God for the gift of life and of lives shared. 

The girls started out the evening's celebratory festivities by putting on dresses and dancing on the porch of our rented apartment to the Beach Boys.  June Bug insisted that Ju - Ju's mom's sister, K, who lives in Maine, come and celebrate with us.  It was so great to have her join us in our celebrating.

We had a lovely dinner of gluten free mac n' cheese, grapes and lemonade. (June Bug' s request, of course!)  

We then took a nice leisurely stroll on the beach, which was just a few yards from the apartment we stayed at.  We brought our newly adopted miniature Dachshund, Tootsie, our buckets and went in search of ocean treasures.

Upon arrival back at our apartment, we realized we were locked out.  Good thing Daddy was able to lift June Bug through a slightly broken screen to let her in to unlock the door!

We washed up, had a quick wardrobe change to dry dresses (obviously!) and got ready for cake.  We had a hard time finding gluten free cake in Maine.  We are so spoiled where we live.  We manage to locate a Trader Jo's in Portland and made the trip the day before for their delicious chocolate and vanilla gluten free cupcakes.  Yum!  The girls all enjoyed them to say the least!

After opening presents, we had to say, "Good-bye," to Aunt K.  We were sad to see her go, but glad for the time we had together.  

      Daddy surprised us with sparklers.  (They are not illegal in Maine...imagine that!)  
We all headed back to the beach in our PJs to brighten up the night with sparkling light!  

Happy Birthday, June Bug!!!