And One More Birthday . . .

For the record, this will make two birthdays and a (small pet) funeral within a month . . . and that's just in our little immediate family. I think my family alone has a birthday almost every week from June 9th to August 22nd!

Grace, who turned seven on July 20th, got to celebrate a total of three times. First, we had an adventurous day in Heber and the surrounding area with Grandma and Grandpa on her actual birthday. She began the day by driving a mini-jeep around the quiet street where we were staying. She was then served her favorite food, spaghetti, for lunch. Shortly after that we all went on an unguided river rafting trip on the Provo River. It was a bit crazy at first, mostly because the three adults on the raft were a little rusty on their rowing and team skills. Once we got settled, we all enjoyed the nice ride (except for the portage). There were many people floating on tubes, and many more who got their tubes stuck on or in something. We all made it okay, but better instruction would have helped. I guess that's what we get for going the less expensive route.

Gracie enjoyed all of her gifts, of course, with the penguin being her favorite. "Pengi" the penguin is rather adorable, as you will see below.

Grace also got to celebrate with her dad and her brother Asher (who was two on July 21st) the next day. I don't have pictures of it, but she requested this (taken from a text message I sent to Jared): pasta salad and chocolate cake with vanilla frosting and raspberries on top. Grace's dad got her "LuLu" the FurReal cat, which I am sure was at least as exciting as Pengi the Penguin.

Finally, I had promised Grace a friend party this year since she has never had one. It never came together over the summer, so right when school started, Grace planned a small Birthday Princess Tea Party. Olivia made the invitations, which were nice and elegant. We did it right after school on September 3rd, and kept it pretty simple. I spent a total of $20 on this party for four guests - and it was all at the Dollar store. We made tiny foods with recipes from Grace's Klutz Tea Party book, had a simple craft, a simple bingo game, and some party favors. Easiest party ever! I'm all about inviting everyone, but sometimes just having your three best friends is plenty.

I still can't believe Grace is seven - a real 2nd Grader now. Grace has more life in her than she can manage, but she'll figure it all out because she is rather quick-witted and intelligent. She catches things when everyone else isn't noticing, or when everyone else thinks she isn't noticing. She dances from one interest to the next, taking as much in as possible. I love snuggling with Grace, reading a book, listening to her jokes, or even just feeling her soft hair against my face (especially when she happens to be clean). I love when she helps me make dinner, and I love how specific she is about what she wants to eat. Most of all I love our little ritual whenever we say good bye or good night.


Grace: I love you and I like you.
Mom: I love you and I like you too.
Both: Kiss . . . Hug . . .
Grace: Bye, bye, bye bye.
Mom: Bye, bye, bye, bye."