I can't even believe...

... that she is 9!!

Many party options were considered, but Sophie decided she wanted to invite two very special friends to celebrate with us. We partied at the house with pizza, cake, and ice cream.

Then we went to Frankie's Fun Park for lots of giggles, fun, and excitement!

They squeezed in as much fun as they could, including every minute in the car while we made the run to drop the girls off.

My sweet girl! I can't believe you are nine. The time is going so quickly. So many people tell me what a special girl you are and that they can't wait to see what you will become. I have to admit, I too think you will be (and already are) pretty spectacular and use your strengths for His kingdom.
It was a joy listening to you and your friends laugh and fully enjoy the evening. After everyone was asleep I kept replaying the fun sounds of giggling, the funny comments, and the sweet sentiments of friendship that swirled in the air that evening. I love you forever!! ~Mommy

Who Loves Ya Baby!!

Sunday afternoon the preparations for the Valentine's party were underway.

Boxes decorated...

cards signed with love,

sweets baked,

tables set.Let the party begin!

After a full day of parties, with perfect timing, more sweets arrived in the mail. My very first Valentine ever sent me my yearly treat full of love,
Thanks Daddy!!

The rest of the evening Mark was treating all four of us girls to some special treats.

he got a little treat too!

(As soon as the girls saw this they HAD to get it for Mark!!)
It was a great day. I am so thankful for a home full of love.

Happy Birthday to You!!!

Happy Birthdayto you!!

Happy Birthday

to you!

Happy Birthday

GREAT, WONDERFUL, AMAZING, FUN
GRANDMA

Happy Birthdayyyy

to YOU!!

Grandma,
Thanks for being such an amazing Grandma!! You are more special to me than you will ever know. To say that you have been and are a huge blessing to my life is an understatement. The flood of memories from childhood to today are packed full of your love, face, and influence. You have been there for me on the fun days, the hard days, and the best days of my life: weeks of summer adventures on the farm, beach vacations, foot washing, graduations, our wedding, settling into new homes, bringing new babies home, and so many more.
If I am even half as strong and courageous over my life as you have been I will count it a victory. I love you more than words can ever say. Thank you for being the BEST!
Love you bunches!!

Happy Birthday Granny!!

We love you!

Little Girls Being Little Girls

A great Sunday of sun spot cuddles, puzzles, reading... and giant bird nests.

"No Mackenzie, you have to do the crust first!" (or perhaps the edge ;)

The "giant birds' nest" just kept filling up with more and more stuffed animals.
A sweet day for little girls to just be little girls!

Circus Day

Although the morning was cold and rainy, it was not hard to get my gals moving to get ready and out the door.
It was Circus Day!!

We went about a hour before to be on the floor during the pre-show. This is when I learned that Mackenzie is not a fan of being close to clowns (that is why she is not in many pictures.)

Sophie was all about trying on the clown outfits.

A close up of the artist elephant that painted for us.

At the mention of going to the circus, Haleigh was sure she was going to get "one of those light, spinning toys." First thing after she opened her eyes this morning she went to her money box and pocketed her cash to get her toy.

And what is a circus without cotton candy!!
(I was hesitant to get the cotton candy at 10:00 in the morning, but I knew if Mark was able to be there he would have gotten it for his girls, so I did it for him ;)
All three girls loved the circus. (Mackenzie loved it much more once we got to our seats.)
"What was your favorite part of the circus?"
Sophie, "The elephants! It was really cool when Asia (the above pictured elephant) painted the picture!"
Haleigh, "When the clowns were being to silly changing the giant light bulb."
Mackenzie, "When I was being silly!"
I personally loved watching the expressions on the girls' faces! It was funny how concerned Mackenzie was about the people getting down from high places.

A sweet day to pack away in the treasured box of memories!!