My Little Girl Turns 7!!!!

Even as I type those words I can't believe them! What happenned?! Didn't I just bring her home from the hospital not too long ago? It's hard to believe that was SEVEN years ago. I LOVE this girl more than words can say. So much personality packed into a little girl. We decided awhile ago that we would alternate friend and family parties every other year, and since last year was friends...this year was family! I had so much fun planning our weekend for her birthday...and just like my Mom and probably planned too much but I can't help it, I love Birthdays! Even though things didn't go exactly like I had planned in my head with a little rearranging everything came together and what mattered was the Elle was happy..and in my opinion she certainly was. On Thursday we took her to her favorite restaurant, Olive Garden for dinner. On Friday, just our little family went to the Zoo. Elle is such an animal lover this is one thing she wanted to do and we haven't been for awhile so it was perfect. So much fun just being together walking around, her and Cash are just best buddies and are so cute togther. After the zoo we drove straight to Chuck E Cheese to meet up with the Christensens. (Another request of Elles) One of the things she wanted to do there the most was get in the booth that blows tickets everywhere while she tries to grab as many as she can. Thanks to Grandpa Todd and Grandma Kathy that wish came true:) She grabbed so many tickets and even to managed to grab the 1000 ticket which she was so happy about. We had a great time playing games, opening presents, eating together, and of course redeeming all of her tickets. Such a fun night! The next day was pretty hectic: soccer games, dance pictures, baseball games, but as soon as it was all done we picked up Elle's two close little friends, Hope and Ivy, and took off to the Provo Beach Resort. (another one of our improvisitions...but hey it all worked out) They had a blast together playing in the huge playground, arcades, eating, and being together. Such cute girls...and of course little boy who they were so good to include. After that we drove straight to my parents for ANOTHER party for Elle..combined with our annual Cinco de Mayo Party. My family goes all out for this holiday and Elle was thrilled with her "theme" and her "party." We ate, played games, opened more presents, had a pinata, cake and ice cream...we had a blast. THEN THERE WAS SUNDAY...See what I mean!!! A whole week of Celebrating!!! What am I doing?? Anyway, Sunday was her real birthday but after so much celebrating we kept it pretty low key. She woke up to 7 balloons on her ceiling and a yummy breakfast in bed. My Mom had us over for Elle's favorite meal, and we just had a really nice evening. Toby and I gave her books to start her piano lessons, a matching outfit for her and her American Girl Doll, and I gave her a little sterling silver bracelet that says, "I love you most" on it...a little something between Elle and I. This little girl is one of a kind. She is so good to her little brother and is such a big help around the house. I can't wait to see her interact with our new baby. It's one of the things I'm most excited about. She LOVES to read. I can't believe how much she likes to read. A couple of hours after we've already tucked her in we will go in to check on her one more time and she'll still be reading her book cause she can't put it down! I bet she's already ready 50 chapter books all by herself. She's still in to American girl doll stuff, and she's a total animal lover. She loves school...and is my best little friend. So grateful to have a daughter like her. Happy Birthday Elle!!!