Bart & Krista: August 2012

Look how time flies:

She's almost all grown up!

Yesterday, on August 19, 2012, my little Princess turned the big 4! I can hardly believe it. She is one of the last of neighborhood girls to turn 4, so she was very excited and anticipated it greatly!

The last few days, I've been watching videos and looking at pictures of my little darling. The videos mostly make me laugh while the pictures make me want to turn back time... just a little bit.

Whitney's been a sassy, funny, strong-willed and tender girl from the day she was born. We love her so much.

At 4 years of age, Whitney June is:

*Still very much into Disney/ Princesses. She is VERY excited about going to Disneyland at the end of next month! It will be her first time. Whenever she sees a commercial for D-Land, she says, "Look! There's Disneyland!"

*Is good about sleeping in her big girl bed (she should be, she's been in it for over 2 years!). Every morning, she comes into our bed to snuggle while I slowly wake up. If MacKay is awake, in his crib-talking, Whitney will ask to go in there and play with him, until I get my lazy bones out of bed.

*Whitney is very observant at this age. She notices EVERYTHING. Details are important to her. Colors of nail polish, what people wear each day, exactly what shoes you have on and if her outfit matches. She's getting very good about learning what outfits go together and if clothes are modest or inappropriate.

*Whit loves dance, gymnastics and Preschool. She's excited to go back to Miss Leanne's preschool in a couple of weeks. I hope she performs at this year's dance recital in the Spring. Last year was traumatic.

*Whitney got a Princess bike (a few months prior to) for her birthday. She rides it all day long- usually inside the house. Our backyard is the size of a postage stamp, so she has learned how to whip that bike around our kitchen and front room very well. She looks adorable in her purple helmet and loves to ride with her friend, Ruthie when they are at the park. I was impressed when Whitney rode her bike on my entire walk. (Between 3-4 miles.)

*Whit loves being with friends. She plays with her cute friend, Ruthie, almost every day. Ruthie is the best babysitter I've ever had. And she doesn't charge. (She is only 4!) Sometimes (okay MOST of the time) Whitney likes to be in charge. I have no idea where she gets that trait.

*Is a very good big sister to MacKay. Occasionally, they do get upset with each other. He calls her, "Nit-Ney" and she loves it. They wrestle, cuddle, tease and giggle. I love it when they chase each other around the house. He is going through a hitting/biting/pulling hair phase and she has done pretty well in being patient with him.

*She loves to play at the park and be in water. I miss Zoombezi Bay.. and there's nothing comparable in Utah. Sorry 7 Peaks... you've got a long way to go. Whitney has started to be more brave in the water and Daddy is teaching her how to be a better swimmer.

*Whitney loves sweets, treats and root beer. She still likes Wendy's but is being much better about eating more veggies, fruits and meat. Good girl.

*Loves to have Girls' Night Out and hang out with her Mommy. We miss some of our old stompin' grounds in Ohio. When she looks at pictures, she asks, "Is that in Ohio?"

*Although Whitney is feisty, she's also very sensitive. She has a tender heart and understands others' feelings.

*Whitney has a great imagination and always wants to be with friends. I can't say it enough. I'm glad we moved to a place where there are so many kids her age. It's been a great blessing. She loves, loves, loves kids.

*Whitney says great prayers. She is always praying for others.. even our Realtor before we go look for houses! She says some cute phrases and is very sweet and sincere.

*Is learning a lot about the Gospel. She loves Primary and her teachers. I am thankful for her excitement to go to church and learn about our Savior.

*Loves to have family nights and go places. (Don't all kids?) She loves to wrestle with Daddy, help Mommy cook and be a good Sister.

I am so thankful for my sweet girl. 4 years ago, she made me a Mommy. I love you, Whitney.

Love, Mom

Saturday afternoon, we had a birthday bash for Whitney. She wanted a cake just like the one she had when she turned 2!

Bubba loved the sweets too:

Here's Grandpa, Grandma, Whitney & Sammy on Sunday evening.

Here's her friends at her party:

From L to R:

Taylei, Addy, Chelsea, Ruthie, Whitney, Michaela, Tessa and McKay Gurney (He was the ONLY boy allowed by Whitney... b/c in her words, "He's my boyfriend!")