ELLE'S 7TH BIRTHDAY

Finally recovering from all the celebrating we did for Elle's birthday! Elle always looks forward to her birthday in a major way. If she could skip Christmas and go straight to her birthday she would do it in a second. We probably started talking about her birthday party in the summer. She takes it very seriously! It is also a little bit of a challenge to do something new and exciting because Starkville doesn't have a whole lot of options and then of course it is January and you never know what the weather is going to do! 

After some talking we decided on having a swim party at the indoor pool at the fitness center on campus. I took Elle for a little field trip to make sure she approved which she did and then we got it all planned!  Since it was a swim party we went with a loose mermaid theme and invited all the girls in first grade plus a few that don't go to her school! Lots of her friends came and the party was a total success! Elle was happy which is all I wanted!

The invite for the party!

Mermaid cookies done by my friend Sarah who is so talented!  This was one half of the party favors.

The other part of the party favors were these fun mermaid sequin bracelets that are all the rage!

Mermaid swirl cupcakes with ocean themed toppers.

Having lots of fun at the swim party!

We had pizza and cheetos before it was time to blow out the candles and have cupcakes.

Walker wasn't feeling the family picture!

Blowing out her birthday candles.

Making her birthday wish.

Then we had a little extra excitement. Elle had a loose tooth that Kenny and I both had tried to pull but we really have a hard time pulling teeth. But in conversation with my friend Jennifer she said she was really good at pulling teeth and offered to pull it! Elle was excited. So we waited until the party was over and Jennifer pulled that tooth right out! Elle was thrilled the tooth fairy was going to come that night on top of it being her birthday party days!

Sitting in Nanee's lap for the tooth pulling!

It is out!

After the party we went home to open presents and relax. I made a big pot of chili and everyone went to bed early including the adults! Busy day! On the actual day of Elle's birthday we were excited because Kenny was going to be in town. Normally he misses the actual day due to furniture market. He got up early and went to Shipley's and got donuts for us to eat for breakfast and then also got a ton of donut holes so Elle could take them and share with her class for her birthday treat!

Sleepy eyed and blowing out the candles again on her donuts!

Walker also sleepy eyed but it is always a good day for Walker if it starts with donuts!

Elle had a full day at school and then had dance camp practice after school until 5. Kenny and I came early to watch them perform the dance a couple of times because Kenny left for market the next day and was going to miss the actual performance. After dance camp was over we surprised Elle with her friends being at hibachi and we all had a quick dinner "watching the man cook" before we went home so Elle could open her presents from us.

Posing with her little kitty bobble head the restaurant gives you when it is your birthday.

Sharing her birthday ice cream! Ella was being funny and choosing not to smile.

Elle let us know that she had a great birthday. Kenny and I can't believe how quickly the 7 years has flown by but it is fun to experience each new stage. We love her so much! Happy Birthday Elle!