Pure, crazy JOY is what you see on Haley's face. Instead of a big "friends" party, she opted to celebrate by having us stay overnight at a local hotel with a water park. They are always begging to stay over when we go there and this seemed like a fun birthday treat. We went with an "American Girl Doll" birthday and she was thrilled as can be to open accessories and play sets for her and Samantha. But she was truly surprised to find a Lanie doll under the wrapping paper of her last present. Her shriek of excitement must have startled the whole hotel.
Haley is trying to match Samantha's pose.
This is the design we came up with for the cake.
Opening her present from Jake, with help from Jake.
"Thank you!" It was a Mermaidia Barbie...
Haley and her new B.F.F.
Ready for bed after we closed down the water park.
I can't believe my baby girl is 7 years old. She is still as sweet as ever, quick to help me with Alex or fix a Transformer for Jake. She loves to play school, be a "chef" in the play kitchen, climb trees (or anything, for that matter), ride her bike, do any kind of arts and crafts project, sing and dance, write and illustrate stories, read, and play with friends. She has enjoyed gymnastics this year and is looking forward to swimming lessons and possibly softball this summer. It is exciting - and a little bittersweet - to watch her branch out and grow up. I try to remind myself everyday to enjoy these sweet children while they're little because it is flying by so quickly. I can't help but get a little choked up when I think of the tiny, 5-pound 14-ounce little bundle we took home from the hospital seven years ago. She has become such a beautiful girl and we love her to the stars and back. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Haley-Bear!
Pure, crazy JOY is what you see on Haley's face. Instead of a big "friends" party, she opted to celebrate by having us stay overnight at a local hotel with a water park. They are always begging to stay over when we go there and this seemed like a fun birthday treat. We went with an "American Girl Doll" birthday and she was thrilled as can be to open accessories and play sets for her and Samantha. But she was truly surprised to find a Lanie doll under the wrapping paper of her last present. Her shriek of excitement must have startled the whole hotel.
Haley is trying to match Samantha's pose.
This is the design we came up with for the cake.
Opening her present from Jake, with help from Jake.
"Thank you!" It was a Mermaidia Barbie...
Haley and her new B.F.F.
Ready for bed after we closed down the water park.
I can't believe my baby girl is 7 years old. She is still as sweet as ever, quick to help me with Alex or fix a Transformer for Jake. She loves to play school, be a "chef" in the play kitchen, climb trees (or anything, for that matter), ride her bike, do any kind of arts and crafts project, sing and dance, write and illustrate stories, read, and play with friends. She has enjoyed gymnastics this year and is looking forward to swimming lessons and possibly softball this summer. It is exciting - and a little bittersweet - to watch her branch out and grow up. I try to remind myself everyday to enjoy these sweet children while they're little because it is flying by so quickly. I can't help but get a little choked up when I think of the tiny, 5-pound 14-ounce little bundle we took home from the hospital seven years ago. She has become such a beautiful girl and we love her to the stars and back. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Haley-Bear!
