We took Dillen to Sea World today to celebrate her 4th birthday. What an amazing time. We booked one of the birthday packages that started with a private tour and ended with cake. We got there at around 9:45 and Dillen was absolutely delighted to see that her Grandma Jane and Grandpa Jim were already there waiting for her with her Uncle Scott, Aunt Julie and cousins Liz and Sam. (Aunt Julie made a very special mad dash for a big birthday hug across the parking lot - I'll never forget it.) Dillen got to open some special gifts from her G & G before we went in - a Hello Kitty jewelry box with lots of jewels including a princess crown necklace and a princess crown tiara. Dillen was in heaven.

As Dillen's friends showed up, she became more and more eager to get the day started and was excited when the tour guide, Olivia, arrived. Olivia gave Dillen a special pin to wear (announcing she was celebrating her birthday at Sea World). And I handed out puffy-painted monogrammed canvas bags to our guests that included: hats in the shape of fish, sunglasses, a small stuffed animal whale, goldfish crackers and a bottle of water. (I had to do SOMETHING!)

The first place Olivia took us was to the bat ray exhibit where we got to feed and pet the rays (one of Dillen's favorite things to do). We were quickly all wet from the flurry of bat ray excitement. Then we were taken behind-the-scenes for a private encounter with some swell sharks. We got to touch them and hang out in the lab for a while - so cool. And the last exhibit was to the sea turtles where we were given large lettuce leaves to throw to the awaiting, seemingly hungry, turtles. (I think this was one of the favorites.)

Then we were off to Ship Wreck Reef for cake. Because Sea World does not allow candles, Olivia told everyone to hold up one finger and to swipe a hefty portion of icing off of the cake once the birthday song was sung. Oh yes, swipes were made! Roxy in particular took this to heart and covered her Aunt Julie's face in icing. (Pictures coming soon.) Dillen got to open more gifts after cake and then everyone said their goodbyes and departed in different directions.

I have to say, though I have thoroughly enjoyed throwing large birthday parties in the past, it was so nice not to have to do any clean-up this year. Dillen got just what she asked for - a small celebration at her favorite place on earth. Sean and I are already scheming to celebrate Roxy's 2nd at another park and that's not for another 8 months! lol.

Tomorrow is Dillen's actual birthday. She received $100.04 from her Nan and Pops so we are going to take her on a mini-shopping spree to a cool little toy store in the morning - what girl doesn't like to shop? For dinner, she wants to go to the local sushi restaurant - SUH WEET!

Both girls are now completely passed out from the long day. I'm ready to hit the hay, as well. It's hard to believe my little girl turns four tomorrow and that it has been four years since I experienced the joy of becoming a mommy for the first time.

Time really does fly by so fast - especially when you are having fun.