Ellie's Birthday

We are in full packing mode this week!  So much to do, but not too busy to report the celebration our girl's 7th birthday last week! Apparently, in Ellie's unique way of understanding the world, she believed on her birthday she would wake up with an entirely new set of skills that she couldn't undertake when she was six.  After all, one cannot drive a car until they're 16, right? Do you see her logic?  So, when Ellie turned 7, she believed she would be able to do things like write fast and juggle (not at the same time, of course).  Alas, my sweet Els, most of us must practice, practice before we are proficient at anything...

To make her feel special, I made a bunch of signs which I hung around the house with special messages.  She loved it more than I expected, though the sign in the bathroom literally made her gasp in surprise (not from the message, mind you).  I love that my kids love surprises!

On the morning of her birthday we took Ellie, Reni, and their friends Chloe and Essie to a bounce house in Lexington.

  The slide above was their favorite.  I caught sight of them holding hands lots of times.  Oh my... Ellie's going to miss them!

Nathan discovered that the cotton candy machine had a dollar credit already loaded in it, so for another buck, the kids split a delicious treat...

After lunch at Chick Fil A and a shopping trip at the Dollar Tree (Ellie promised the girls goodie bags when we picked them up -- OOPS! -- everyone got $3 to fill their own 'goodie bag' and had as much fun shopping as they did at the bounce house, and for a lot less!), we went home for cake and gifts.

 Do you remember last year's lanterns?  We didn't launch them all last year, and had kept a few for later (which survived getting packed up in a box).  Our friend Sarah happened to be in the center later that evening and accompanied us across the street to send off a few more.

All in all, I think Ellie had a great birthday.  I know I had a good time watching her enjoy the company of friends and seeing what a beautiful girl she is growing up to be!  Ellie, we love you SO much and are so proud of how much you've matured this year.  We love your concern for others and your encouraging heart. We can't wait to see what changes this year brings... just think what we may be doing a year from now!