Finley: Future American Idol!

Here's Finners getting ready to go to Sadie's birthday party. Not only does she look hot to trot, but she also made me cry on the way home from school today because she did the cutest, most precious thing ever - she sang with me! She has long been singing with Grandma Julie, but usually when they are hanging out in the living room and Julie is looking right at her. Today, I was listening to one of my new faves, Ingrid Michaelson, who I used to play in Finley's crib back when she wouldn't fall asleep by herself. I was singing along at the top of my lungs, of course, and I heard this sweet little sound coming from the back seat. I turned down the music and Finners was singing along from the back. I kept singing without the music, and so did Finners. I kept going with tears running down my cheeks because I didn't want her to stop. She is so precious.

I also love the picture from Sadie's birthday party. She hung in there with the "big kids", climbing every single stair - numerous times, walking from Grandma to Grandpa to mom to dad, eating ice cream with Grandpa, playing with Sadie's new vanity, and helping Sadie with her presents. I swear I have a picture of myself and my big cousins that looks just like that.

And, I also have to make record of the fact that Finley took her first trip to the art museum on Saturday. Grandma and Grandpa Bernhardt and Grandma Julie accompanied Finley, mom, dad, Auntie Megan and Cousin Sadie to the Macy's Christmas display and then to the Walker to see the Frida Kahlo exhibit. Of course, Finley was "talking" the whole time, while everyone else silently stood in awe and wonder of the gorgeous paintings. What fun we had. It might have been the "best day we ever had" (wink, wink).

Happy Birthday, Grandma Julie! We love you!