Ameliya is 8!

Sweet Ameliya managed to draw her birthday celebrating out for a full week of festivities, which is no small feat in this house (wink).  

On Sunday we went to Grandma and Papa Tallman's for lunch and the birthday girl got to blow out her first set of candles.

Many of her favorite things in her gift packages, too!

A Spirit set and new unicorn swim suit from Grandma and Papa,

and Calico Critter elephants from Lauren and Lance.

We got to see EVERYONE from the Tallman side for lunch, which always feels like a celebration in itself.  What a great start to her birthday week!

Mike took Mia's birthday off on Tuesday, which is always a huge treat when he can work it out.  We had homemade cinnamon rolls and sausage links for breakfast, per the birthday girl's request.

After breakfast, present time!  She decided to just open one present before we took Evalynn to her gymnastics class, and then open the rest after.

She was very patient and gracious with her little helper.

Mia chose to go with me to Evalynn's gymnastics class.  When we got home she opened the rest of her presents and cards.

The children all went off to play Calico Critters and then we went to lunch.  Ameliya chose Wendy's for lunch and the dining room was open so we went in.

Ev had a nap and Mia and I worked on spending the gift card that Nannie and Vance sent.  She knew exactly what she wanted and we got it ordered to arrive before the end of the week!  She's at a fun age for shopping.

Then it was back to playing while I assembled the cake Ameliya requested.  She drew me a diagram.  #bless

I called her up and she decorated it with sugar sprinkles (not hard sprinkles!) and crushed cookies and cream candy bar.  

Gifts from Kea and Miguel arrived and I packaged them in a gift bag and we FaceTimed them to open it up.  

New supplies for her "real tools" medical kit that we made her originally in 2018.  She has loved it for many years and it needed a refresh!

We visited with the Paredes crew a bit and then the children went to set up a hospital and give check ups with the new supplies.  The sun finally broke through the gray day and it warmed up enough to get out the bikes.  Mike took the kids for a ride while I finished assembling Mia's requested supper of homemade pizza.

Homemade pizzas and bread sticks with raw veggies and fruit for supper.

We tidied the table after everyone had their fill, and then time for cake and ice cream!

The cake passed her approval and the natural red dye made a nice pink color, which is exactly what we were going for.

All in all, I think our girl's 8th birthday was a lovely day.  She went to bed a happy girl.

The celebrating didn't end on her birthday, however.  The next day, the last of the gifts from Mike and I arrived - they'd been delayed.

She is so enjoying the Calico Critters/Lil Woodzeez toys right now and I thought these were too fun to pass up.  A little garden for her set, and then a set of cardinals.  You know how we love birds.

Wednesday afternoon Aunt Penny brought by a gift from Uncle Pat and Aunt Joanna.  A Spirit caboose train that goes perfectly with the set from Grandma and Papa.

School was done for the day, so off they went on a world of imagination.

On Friday, the items Mia had chosen with Nannie and Vance's gift card arrived and she was watching for the delivery truck!  A school for her critters and a cow family that had 7 in it!  The kids set up the most elaborate worlds with their critters and little figures.  I love to listen to them play for hours with them.

A Saturday shopping trip with Grammy and Papa closed Ameliya's birthday celebrating.  She chose a play-doh set and she and Grammy had a good time in the clothing section and came away with a new unitard for gymnastics and a couple of fresh outfits for spring.  

I would say our girl had a blessed, beautiful week of celebrating the precious person that she is.  When I look at her I think about this little birthday blessing we use to say at church when I was a child...

Many happy returns of the day of thy birth

May sunshine and gladness be given.

And may the dear father prepare thee on Earth

For a beautiful birthday in Heaven.

We wish you joy and health, Ameliya.  We pray you chase the Lord with all your heart and learn to lean on Him for everything you need.  You are so loved and treasured, Mia.  Happy 8th birthday.