Riding Bikes

Isaac was so excited for his bike to come off the moving truck. He was only able to play with it for two days after Christmas before it was packed up and put into storage for four months. So, we've been taking advantage of the warm days by riding bikes on our quiet street. 

Stole the hat and the bike. Cutest ever. 

Anna's Party

I had promised Anna a friend party this year, but with the timing of our move (within just a few days) I was short on energy and she was short on friends. She graciously conceeded that this might not be the best year for a friend party. I tried to make up for the disappointment by making her day special.

 As I mentioned in the previous post, Anna loves to randomly make us breakfast in bed. We don't allow the kids to have food anywhere except the kitchen (hello, new house) so she was especially delighted to have breakfast in bed. 

 At lunchtime, I dropped off Anna at the hospital for a special lunch with Dad. Ever responsible, Anna chose Red Robin because she knew we had a coupon. Jeff is a sucker for his little girl and decided to extend the lunch date to a lunch and movie date. Anna was thrilled.

 Anna wanted to invite Grandma and Grandpa and Chris and Susie over for her special birthday dinner. (We missed my mom and dad who are still on their mission in Washington DC.)

We wasted time before the party by taking silly pictures.

Anna chose "homemade" chicken nuggets (from the freezer), tomatoes, cherries (sadly not in season), grape juice, salad (for the grown-ups), broccoli and vanilla cake with vanilla ice-cream. 

No time wasted as we moved on to presents. 

Seven Things

This amazing girl turned seven. Oh, how I loved Anna as a six-year old. I told her over and over she wasn't allowed to turn seven. But, despite my plea, she went ahead and did it anyway. 

Here's seven things I adore about my Missy Moo.

1. She is always thinking of others. She makes us breakfast in bed just 'cause. She encourages me to eat healthy and take "coke breaks." She writes notes and makes picture and is just plain kind-hearted.

2. She loves words. She reads voraciously and writes nearly everyday. There are journals all over the house. Treasures. 

3. She loves to laugh. Like throw back her head and laugh hysterically. She likes to be tickled and loves a good joke.

4. She narrates while she plays. From the time Anna started talking she has narrated her imaginary play in the 3rd person. It has lessened the older she has gotten and I know it is just a matter of time before it disappears completely. 

5. She has a wonderful singing voice. She likes to sing from the Primary Children's Songbook. So sweet.

6. She has an innate desire to do the right thing. She is an example to her brothers. And to me and Jeff. 

7. She has an amazing memory. She often brings up conversations or incidences that happened years ago. It's pretty incredible what she can recall. 

Happy Birthday, Anna! I love you more than words can say!