3 Years Old!

Happy Birthday, Amelia!

Last year's birthday dress still fits. I couldn't convince her to wear the one I made for this year.

I can't believe she's already 3. This kid needs to stop getting older and stay little forever. Amelia is a wonderful kid. She can count to 20 (almost, she skips a couple of the teens), can recognize a little over half of the alphabet, has an extensive vocabulary, loves to dance and sing and makes up her own songs. She always has a book and Dolly nearby. She gives the best hugs. Her favorite colors are pink, purple and anything with sparkles. Current favorite wardrobe items are skorts and her rainbow shoes. She's a big Tinkerbell, Little Einsteins and Sofia the First fan. She loves going to Bass Pro to see the fishies. She loves to joke around and say, "Just kidding!" and "That's silly!". She figured out that chocolate ice cream with sprinkles is the best and that's what her cake was. She still likes things to be just so and is the least messy 3 year old I know. All in all, she's pretty much the perfect kid and we are so blessed to have her!

Amelia's Dance Recital

I know some of you are just beside yourself because you couldn't make it to Amelia's dance recital today. Well, I have a treat for you! I took video during her dress rehearsal so you could see her in action. They practiced two times and this video is from the first run through. She did a lot more of the moves the second time through and I attempted to capture some of them in the photos below. Enjoy!

 Shuffle Step

 The Grand Finale!

Crazy Shorts

A month or so ago, I decided to really try to use up some of my fabric. I needed to make room for some more! Anyway, I had a fairly large piece of this loud dotty fabric from a dress I made Amelia last fall. I also had a coordinating green to make a shirt with. The shirt also was a muslin for Amelia's birthday dress. The shorts are Oliver + S puppet show in size 2T with a much reduced amount of elastic and the shirt is Oliver + S Family Reunion top, also in 2T.

Intermission

I haven't been able to take many pictures or post for awhile. So, here's one to hold you over for awhile longer while I try to remember to take more photos of Amelia. This is her Vacation Bible School mugshot.

Amelia's House and Fancy Shoes

Who's there?

Is the big bad wolf out there?

Ok, come on in and check out my new kicks! Pretty sweet, right?

Rockin' Out

No music, no problem. You can't stop this little dancer!

Bunhead

I was instructed that Amelia was to wear two buns at the top of her head as part of her costume for her dance recital. Easier said than done. Amelia definitely has Hansen hair. It is super fine and very straight. I'm actually jealous, but it doesn't play well with buns. I needed practice, lots and lots of practice. Here are the results from my first practice session. Ignore the buns and just look at how cute she is!

I've since talked to her dance teacher and we are now just doing half ponytails. Much, much easier!

Dorland Grandkids

I love the look on Matthew's face in this picture. It looks like he is completely enamored with Alli. Really though, who isn't?

I had to include this one as well. I think Rob was acting silly in the background. He definitely got a reaction!
Let me know if you want me to email a picture.

Saturday Sweeping

New Muffin Apron

I planned on making this apron/smock ages ago. Amelia only owns one apron and it is a Christmas one. That just doesn't cut it for our Saturday muffin making. I thought the giggling monkeys were cute and fitting for Amelia. It looks a little crazy with her red outfit underneath, but is pretty cute in real life. She's a big fan of the 3 giant pockets in front. Oh, hey Ayer!