She's FOUR!

Clara celebrated her much anticipated fourth birthday almost a month ago now.  This girl LOVES birthdays.  And presents.  And parties.  We've celebrated her birthday with small family parties the past few years, but we decided to go for a big celebration with friends this time.  We chose to have a craft party at the local community center.  All of the kids had a blast, including Clara.  I was busy visiting with the other parents and took very few pictures, but here's a small sampling.

I wish we had video of her trying to blow out these candles because it took FOREVER and had us all laughing.  

After cake we opened gifts.  Typically Clara responds to every gift with a face that looks like this:

But at her party, she was much more subdued when opening presents. We thought maybe she was overwhelmed by all the people.  But as the last few guests were leaving, we discovered the real reason.  Clara threw up everywhere.  And then she threw up again, and again, and again.  The poor thing came down with the stomach flu at her own party.  I am certain we will never forget her rather remarkable ending to her fourth birthday.