Happy Birthday Claire

My first baby girl turned 9 on July 1st. She is such a special girl to us. I love how her personality has developed and how much she reminds me of myself. Claire is a happy person and very compassionate towards others. She is responsible and always so helpful with her siblings.  She loves reading and adores animals, especially cats. When she grows up, she now says that she'd like to be a vet. I truly enjoy watching her grow. I just can't believe she's already such a big kid. I love my Claire!

For her birthday this year we planned a fun party at home. We invited some of her friends over, made a cake, prepped a pinata, and got pizza. It was fun to watch a bunch of nine year old girls have fun together. It's so different from the younger kids that I've been used to. They talked about things at school and even hushed themselves a few times because there were "parents listening". It's crazy how my kids now have their own little lives away from me. It's good though.

It started storming right before the party. Thankfully it let up in time for the pinata.

We did the pinata, played frog and the detective, did mummy wrapping of kids, musical chairs, and danced to music.

Claire picked out a chocolate cake with purple frosting. 

I guess the new style beanie babies are all the rage around here. All the girls in her class collect them. We went from having one to having 8. I think we are set now. 

This new bike is her main present from us. She has been practicing and so far loves it. I think it's even better than my bike.

Happy birthday little Claire!