"Mimi"

I've crocheted hundreds of afghans in the past 30 years and no one has ever appreciated a blanket as much as Violet. She calls hers "Mimi".

Mimi goes everywhere Violet goes. She's been to the Lake of the Ozarks, Dauphin Island and even Disney World. Mimi started out a very pretty white, pink and grey and no matter how many times she's been washed, she still looks a little dingy. I've tried to make her a new one but nothing can replace the original Mimi. Maybe there are some things that don't need to be replaced.

A New Driver

Violet has a jeep and loves cruising through the backyard, usually with Lincoln white knuckling in the passenger seat.

But now Violet is teaching Lincoln to drive. Melissa sent me a video of this and you could hear Violet say "Lincoln's driving and I'm working the pedals"! I'm sure both Violet and Lincoln will know how to drive a real car at the age of 10. Let's just hope their little legs won't reach the pedals!

Happy Birthday Violet!

Where has the time gone? I can't believe that Violet is 4 years old.

Violet was very much involved in planning her princess birthday party, working on her invitations, picking out her cupcakes and deciding on which princess she would be.

Melissa decorated her house as a princess castle.

From the beginning, Violet was going to be Cinderella. But after watching Elena of Avalor (Disney's newest princess), that's who she wanted to be. It didn't help that Melissa let her open her new Princess Elena dress before the party.

Even I got into the theme of the party and wore my own princess dress. What a grandmother won't do for a little attention!

After all the little princesses arrived, they were surprised with a visit from Cinderella. She did a wonderful job of keeping all the kids entertained. Not one child took their eyes off of her while she was there.

The party was a huge success for all the work Melissa and Jamie put into it.

But let's not forget the traditional "age" shirt. I forgot all about it. But Melissa is usually on top of these things. I've marked my calendar for next year so I don't forget. Happy Birthday Violet!

Khloe & Lola and a Bit of a Scuffle!

Dogs will be dogs and sometimes they don't see eye to eye. Lincoln was snacking on a chicken nugget and Khloe and Lola were following him around hoping to catch any small morsel that might fall.

Needless to say, they got into a bit of a scuffle and Khloe came out the loser. After a couple of stitches, Khloe's fine. The funny thing is, Lincoln never dropped the nugget.

Violet Gets a New Do!

In keeping up with all the changes of turning 4 years old, Melissa decided to get Violet's haircut. Violet has never been the type of girl who likes having her hair done.

She's blessed - or unblessed (is that a word) - with very straight fine hair.

So the hairdresser cut off about 10 inches of hair giving her that shoulder length sassy look.

She's no longer our Baby Violet as Michele continues to call her.

Violet's Birthday Celebration at School

Violet's birthday week continues with her celebration at preschool.

The school does not allow parents to bring cupcakes, snack or anything edible. Even this birthday cake isn't real. They do let the parents bring a small party favor. Melissa opted for kazoos. I bet those parents were happy with her. But Violet was happy with being the center of attention, at least for a couple of minutes!

Early Birthday Present for Violet

I'm terrible when it comes to buying things for Violet and Lincoln. Even when those gifts are for birthdays or other holidays.

I couldn't wait 2 weeks before Violet's birthday to give her a pair a roller skates, complete with appropriate padding.

Violet's does really well skating as long as she stays on the carpet. Once she hits the floor, she's all wobbly legs.