Birthday girl

Happy Birthday to my beautiful Grace!

Yesterday Gracie turned 7 years old.  We did our traditional birthday breakfast, complete with purple pancakes in the shape of a "G".  There were balloons and presents and candles and lots of singing.  And this was all before 8am, of course.  

Ken was off work for the morning, so we got to spend the morning all together, just playing games and enjoying the day.  Since G got to choose what she wanted for lunch, she chose the fine culinary experience of Taco Bell.

Tomorrow night we are having a slumber party with a few of her friends and I'm sure there will be endless giggling and silliness, so I'll just wait and post all the birthday pictures then.  But for now, here are a few of my favorite memories of Gracie this year....

Roller blading all over the neighborhood.  Learning to ride her bike down the steps.  Her excitement for watching birds and making countless bird feeders for the back yard.  Playing puppies and kitties and "puppymentary" with her sisters.  Being her little brother's best friend.  Getting her 2 front teeth knocked out with a snow shovel (okay, that's not a favorite, but it's definitely a memory).  All of the animals and various creations she has made from things in the recycling bin.  Her beautiful artwork...drawings and paintings and pastels.  Her imaginative stories and deep thoughts.  Wearing skirts nearly everyday and looking like our beautiful little flower child.  Her contagious laugh and willingness to beat her own path.  Sledding and snow angels and playing in the rain in her polka-dotted rain boots.  All the sea shells she has given me and rocks she's collected.... never failing to take a walk without bringing me flowers she's picked.  And my newest favorite memory... the beautiful ring she made me for Mother's Day from a key ring and a purple painted seashell, all wrapped up in a matchbox.

I love you, our little California girl.   Happy Birthday!