Happy 8th Birthday, Princess E!

Princess E turned 8 this week.  We had quite the celebration!  We gave her the choice of a birthday party with friends or a family trip to the Lego store where she could pick out her own present, with cake and ice cream for just family.  She chose the latter.  (Smart girl!)  So, several days before her birthday, we took her (and her cousin who was also having a birthday) on a trip to the big mall where they have a Lego store.  They each filled a "Pick-A-Brick" bucket with whatever bricks they chose from the big wall of Lego's.  Here she is, sorting through her collection.  

We also bought her a flat board to build upon and let her pick one kit.  Being a bit of a tomboy, she chose the tractor trailer, motorcycle and helicopter kit. 

This past Saturday, we had her little cake and ice cream party for the family. 

On her actual birthday (September 14th), she had a special surprise from Daddy.  He took off work to spend the day with her.  We had a few errands to run in the morning; but then the fun began.  First, we visited one of her TeamKID leaders at home.  They recently moved here from Alaska and were gracious enough to show us many of their treasures from their former home.

Then, it was off too lunch.  She chose T.G.I.Friday's.  The food was yummy, as always, and they brought her a hot fudge sundae to celebrate her big day. 

After lunch, we hopped over to Chuck E Cheese.  What child doesn't love that place?  It wasn't a surprise when she made a bee-line for the horse.  If she had her way, we'd have a horse in our back yard.  Somehow, I think the neigbors wouldn't be too thrilled about that...nor would the county. 

Chuck E. Cheese himself made an appearance to greet the birthday girl. 

For dinner that night, we met up with Grandma and Grandpa for dinner at Cracker Barrel.  She picked the restaurant.  At the end of the meal, they allowed her to select any dessert from their menu.  She chose the Double Fudge Coca-Cola cake.  Oh my, but was it yummy!

How did she get to be eight years old?  Time has flown by so fast.  She is growing up too quickly.