Ella's 9th Birthday

Seriously...how can it be?

How can I have a 9 year old?

And when did she decide to start growing up when I clearly told her she needs to stay little...just for a bit longer?

*sigh*

And can we just pretend that she doesn't look 12 years old in this picture?!?

***

Ella had a fantastic birthday this year. She was smiling and giddy from sun-up until sundown. Her morning started out with her requested birthday breakfast...pancakes with homemade blueberry syrup and whip cream. She was so excited that she was allowed to put on as much whip cream as she wanted...after all, she was the birthday girl. I might add, she made the most of it and enjoyed them thoroughly.

After breakfast, we loaded up the van and drove to Teavana. It's a tea shop. She was so excited about this idea. This year she said she didn't want any toys...afterall, those things are so "babyish" (her words, not mine). Jason and I decided that we would try to embrace all this growing up business and let her pick a few teas that she wanted as well as a teacup.

As an added surprise, we picked up some lunch and headed out to the park. We had us a nice picnic lunch and the kids played in the 78 degree sunshine for about an hour at the Elm Creek Park Reserve. Even Hattie had a great time just watching all the children running around.

Ella had TruthQuest at church that night. She arrived a little early and noticed that her room was still dark. Assuming she was the first one there, she went to turn the light on and when she did, the whole room erupted with "Happy Birthday, Ella!". Her whole class had hidden in the dark and surprised her...she couldn't stop talking about it. It was such a thrill.

Once home, we had a little party for her with presents. Jason bought her a pink fishing rod and they are going to go on a little fishing excursion in the next couple weeks for an afternoon. Just the two of them, hanging out and having some qaulity father/daughter time. But don't count me out...I get to take her out to the movies for some one-on-one time. I thought it was a little tough to think that she is starting to grow out of wanting toys...but knowing that what she wants more than anything is to spend time with her parents/family is so wonderful. I'll take that over a toy r us shopping trip anyday.

***

A few more pics from her session...

Now to just be able to pick one for my wall...