She's 9!

Isabella, Gemma, Ariana, Paisley, Hannah, Ashley, Victoria, Delaney, Hallie, Gabby, and Rin!

Our very special girl turned 9!

Leading up to her birthday, there was lots of requests for stories about her birth, and her as a baby. I love revisiting all those stories.

I didn't expect her to wake me up at the exact time, 3:37 am, she was born. "Mom! I'm 9!"

Yes, she was THAT excited.

She asked for a "best friends themed party." Thank you Etsy for the perfect invitation:

Since it would be at the Y aquatics center, I bought towels for each guest and spray painted them with their name and "BFF" in the middle. Thanks to Nina for this idea!

Also, the spray painting meant there were towels spread across the floor, which the kitties loved! I had to work hard to keep them off the dye when it was still wet.

Each place was prepared with a friend's towel and a puzzle piece necklace (yes, they really could all connect) with their initials on them.

The girls loved the necklaces and immediately started connecting the pieces:

Victoria seemed so much older opening gifts. Shy smiles and polite thank yous, with an air of adult grace.

I love how she always loves every card -- she always has. She reads everything!

Everyone enjoyed the pool, play areas, and lazy river.

After a LOT of coaxing, we got Alex in as well!

She asked to have her family dinner at dad's house, "because they all haven't seen that house yet." (She wanted the whole family to see her room at dad's new house). She also asked for a potluck -- it's very much like her to feel special when everyone has contributed something.

Miss Addie!

It took me awhile to realize I was singing here LOL

She asked Mason to help her with her candle.

Her very own harmonica!

Alex picked out this glittery bag all by himself!

Piper LOVED that a toddler was sitting in a high chair, likely able to drop food at any minute.

Grandpa playing harmonica

Piper was diligent about watching the food!

Alex started snuggling Anna.

Then told me to take a pic of him "spoiling both puppies!"

Happy birthday, darling girl. You are our light and our love and we are so lucky to celebrate your 9 years with all your family and friends.

First Day of School

I just realized I never posted the first day of school pics on the blog! Being able to post to Facebook sometimes screws me up. In any case, when that Tuesday came in early September, the kids were ready to go with new backpacks and eager smiles. 

We still walk Alex to his classroom, but Victoria has a locker this year and is insistent that we NOT walk with her downstairs. She waves a quick-almost-embarrassed goodbye and rushes off to class by herself.

They've gotten so good at getting up, and dressed, and eating breakfast while mom gets ready for work! At dad's house they get a little more spoiled with help making breakfast ;). Plus, at dad's they don't have puppy and kitty chores before school.

It was a pretty seamless start to the school year, with both of them embracing their teachers and learning.

So lucky to have these precious "school days."