An American Girl Birthday

I will never forget the day I found out my first niece was coming, it was just a month before I moved to London. I couldn't believe I was finally getting a niece but wasn't going to be here to be a part of it. Although I wasn't here on the day she was born, I got here just a few days later to help welcome her into the world. It was one of the happiest days of my life, and I couldn't help but cry when I held Hayley for the first time. That was 8 years ago on November 25th, now I have a total of 4 nieces. Hannah was born on December 28th, 2005, followed by Beatrix on November 21st, 2006, and finally Charlotte on July 27th 2009. I cannot imagine what life would be like without these precious little girls. They have given me the biggest gift they could possibly give me: the chance to be an Auntie!

And what better way for an Auntie to celebrate with her nieces for their November/December birthdays then a day trip to the American Girl doll store in Dallas. We made so many memories, going through all the dolls, clothes, and accessories. All the girls got to get their dolls ears pierced and hair styled as part of their special day. Here they are showing off their dolls new hair styles.

We took a break from the American Girl store and relaxed in the Galleria before their birthday bistro lunch. I just loved watching all my nieces playing together and managed to snap this photo of all four of them.

Back at the American Girl store, we sat down for the girls birthday bistro lunch. They all enjoyed some pink lemonade while their dolls sat quietly by their side.

And finally a picture with the girls and their Mom's/Auntie's...

That's me on the far right...notice how the girls have migrated over to me! I'm the only one that isn't also a mother of one of these girls. They think I'm a kid like them!

"Only an Aunt can give hugs like a mother, can keep secrets like a sister, and share love like a friend."

Happily Ever After

If you had asked me a little over 4 years ago where I would be today I would not have been able to dream up the story my life has become---seriously if I had any talent at all I would be able to write a book about it. I was bruised, hurt, and starting to wonder if all the dreams I had for finding love and starting a family would ever come to life. But the past 4+ years have been amazing and taught me all about true love. I married the love of my life on September 11th 2010.  He helps me through life and all the lessons along the way. He is content and humble and gives me the only gifts I could possibly need: love, patience, and guidance. I knew instantly that he was the one, I had that special feeling that so many people talk about but I had not yet experienced until I met him. On our first date I found out he has boy/girl twins named Nathan and Isabella who at the time were 3 years old. Of course, this was after I started talking about my twin Heather (as I always do). And nine months after our first date I finally met Nathan and Isabella for the first time on Halloween night, Octoboer 31st, 2008. We got engaged April 8th, 2010 and married 5 months later at St. Paul's Methodist Church in Houston, Texas.