Happy Birthday Makenzie

Yesterday was Makenzie's 8th birthday. It was fun to go in and wake her. I only had to softly ask if there was an 8 year old in the room and she quickly woke up! She was so excited to be turning 8. She can't wait to get baptized now. She is a cutie. When she gets excited, she jumps up and down and sort of waves her hands really fast. I envision a little bird getting ready for take off each time she gets excited!

We had a fun day. Robbie and I took the kids to Build A Bear, something Makenzie has been wanting to do for a verrrrry long time! She instantly spotted a horse that she fell in love with, and got to go thru the bear building process. We ate lunch at Chili's (This went better than most restaurant trips with three kids... only one 15 minute bathroom break for Abby... with Robbie standing outside the girls bathroom the whole time; Will didn't succeed in climbing into any other booths but he was able to make a run for it. Fortunately the server, unbeknownst to her, blocked his path with a serving tray just as he was trying to sneak past her... knocked him in the head. She felt terrible. He didn't even flinch... Makenzie sat happily the whole time enjoying the restaurant experience!)

We came back to Grampa Bill's house and decorated the penguin birthday cupcakes. She was thrilled to have so many people here, and she loved all of her presents. I think the best reaction to opening a gift came when she opened the gift from Gramma and Grampa. She had previously spotted this brilliantly colored, giant stuffed dragon and LOVED it. Gramma remebered and got it for her. I wish I had video taped her reaction. She gasped in excitement and couldn't get the gift open soon enough. Then she just hugged it and giggled!

Here is the cupcake penguin. Makenzie did the feet! Makenzie and Abby also did the "penguin pond" as seen in pictures above! Makenzie added the little goldfish! They did a great job decorating the pond cake!

It's hard to believe we have had this sweet little person with us for 8 years already. The time goes by so quickly. It seems like only yesterday that we welcomed our tiny little girl into our lives. We have watched her learn and grow into a beautiful young lady who is compassionate and bright. She is a kind big sister and friend. I look forward to many more years of watching her continue to learn and grow! I love you Makenzie!