And then she was 8 . . .

Anybody who has experienced the birth of their first grandchild can feel the emotions in these pictures.





She was born 3 weeks early, weighing 5 pounds 8 ounces. We were all there for the excitement. The nurses called her "Peanut."

On my birthday that year, 25 days later, she felt like a very, very special gift.

Great Grandpa loved holding her and playing with her.

When she was only 20 months old, in fact the day her sister, Feisty, came home from the hospital, she began wearing glasses. She hated them at first, flinging them across the room, but soon learned that life was much better with them.

Here we are, age 8. How did it go so quickly? If you come around here very often, you know that Care Bear, the Birthday Girl, is an event planner. This event was no exception.

Last year I did a scavenger hunt for her to find her gifts. She now believes it to be a tradition. We had it in the back yard this time. Sorry these two are so fuzzy!







Grandma usually gets her clothes, but this year she gets to pick out her own with gift cards.




She spent one whole evening a couple of weeks ago creating a list of things she wanted this year - it gave us many options. I think we'll still be using it for Christmas!




One of the things she wanted was a mess kit for Girl Scouts.

Grandpa told her to walk 5 steps west and 25 steps south to find his gift --

It was the digital camera she's been wanting so badly.




With a memory card, of course.




Then she opened the gifts from the others at the party --





Feisty was proud of her choice from The Dollar Tree --




The High School Musical cake was a big hit - with Care Bear and with the twins!

The next day she had a bowling party with her school friends, followed by Monkey Bread and pudding pops at the park.








The new rule at school forbids sugary treats, so Mommy took bananas and goldfish crackers for her whole class.

She ended the third celebration convinced it was the best birthday ever. Now she'll start planning next year's bash!

Monday Musings

The last few pounds are not coming off as quickly as the first many. I'll keep plugging away. The most unbelievable statistic - 39 inches!

This week has been all about Feisty - her spring music and art show at school, and her 6th birthday.

Thursday night was the music and art show - it was only kindergarteners, which was really fun. After the kids all filed in to the risers, the principal made a couple of announcements, telling the kids to locate their families and wave to them, then give their full attention to the director. Feisty was so excited to the point of giddiness that she didn't quite catch that part of the announcement! (She's the last one in on the left front row).

Then she got into it and sang her little heart out.

Care Bear's art show was the previous Thursday when we wandered around and tried to find her projects on the walls and in the library. It was fun, but this was much more intimate with everything displayed in her room.

Self-Portrait

Wednesday was Feisty's 6th birthday - and it snowed. I called her to ask how she liked having snow on her birthday in the middle of May. She said she liked it because now they'd have indoor recess! She took cupcakes to school for her class, she took cupcakes to church that night for her friends there, she went to Chuckie Cheese with her immediate family, and this afternoon we had cake and ice cream at our house for all the aunts and uncles and grandparents, etc. A "pool party" in her back yard with school friends is still in the works, if it ever warms up enough - one celebrated little girl!!

Big sister read the cards to us --

Both girls have had great teachers this year - and they only have one more week of school. I will miss both of these teachers so much. Feisty has really blossomed this year with the first year teacher who adored her - and the feeling was mutual.


I had to shoot some more pictures of the amazing tulips - they seem to have enjoyed the wet weather this year much more than I have! Enjoy!

Happy Birthday, Care Bear!

Care Bear is now 7. How has the time gone so quickly? She was born on a Saturday, 3 weeks early. She was a little peanut at 5 pounds 8 ounces. Here she is at one day old.

Grandpas love little baby girls instantly.

She was so tiny - well, not as tiny as the twins, but tiny.

But she caught up quickly!

It's amazing how much Katie looks like her big sister, based on this picture! (Great Grandpas love little girls, too!)

I brought her this little knitted outfit from my mission trip to Brazil.

Shortly before she got her glasses.

She was 20 months old when she got her glasses - the day Feisty came home from the hospital - the age the twins will be in another week.

She loves to read - and write books.

Care Bear was thoroughly celebrated this year. She had a huge party in her back yard last Saturday. Grandpa cooked the burgers and dogs. I did my part by taking the littles for a nap at my house. Kids showed up who weren't exactly invited - but oh, well!

See Grandpa in the background --

On her actual birthday, Monday evening, we had the family party at our house. I decided to have a treasure hunt for her gifts.

The first clue sent her to my roll top desk. (I love the fact that Feisty was right there in every picture and enjoying it with her - I guess I'll have to do another Treasure Hunt in May!)

Next to the spare room, under the bed she sleeps in when she's here.




Modeling her new purse.

On to our bedroom, under the tall dresser.

Next on to the bathtub - huh???




Down to Katie's porta-crib.




Finally - in the dryer.




She came over after school to decorate her cake with me -

You have made our lives so much better, dear Care Bear!