6 years ago today we received the greatest gift in our oldest daughter Addy. From the day she was born, she seemed ahead of the curve, and was constantly impressing us with her patience, intelligence, thoughtfulness, and compassion. I love looking back on the last 6 years and seeing all that she has taught us in that time, and all that she is learning. This move has probably been hardest on her, and she is often homesick and aware of the differences. But it is a process, and I love that she feels confident enough to talk to us about all that she's feeling as she experiences this first big change in her life. I'm proud of her for taking it, and doing what she can work through it, rather then just accepting it as the way it will be from now on. She is a wonderful example to us, and our family is so so blessed bc of her.
To celebrate, and help her adjust to the change, we took a wonderful friend up from church on a bday party of bowling w friends, pizza, cake and more. The kids were in heaven, and it was so good for her to see how many wonderful things and people there are to love here in our new home. I feel so lucky to have had that experience-I think it did wonders for her and it was fun to be able to get to know everyone else here as well.
[her other request this year was to pick the flavor cakes we make. So this one was an apple cinnamon spiced cake w brown butter cream cheese frosting. Girl has fancy tastes haha!]
Its been a wonderful 6 years full of wonders and beauty, made all that more perfect bc of her. Happy bday to our sweet girl-can't wait to see all the amazing things is store for you, and for us in your next year. Thank you for being our daughter- we love you.
[One of Addy's 2 bday requests was that she get to give out some kind of party bags or treats-so for this party we made candied apples to give out as favors. It was fun, although some of the apples were a bit on the tart side!]
[her other request this year was to pick the flavor cakes we make. So this one was an apple cinnamon spiced cake w brown butter cream cheese frosting. Girl has fancy tastes haha!]
Then, I ventured beyond my comfort zone and drove with the 3 kids [by myself, as my hard working hubby had a midterm to study for..] to Utah for us to spend time w cousins and family. We had so so much fun, going to parks, playing in the backyard, visiting with old friends, and exploring good old SLC. The Dobbins went above and beyond in hosting us, and in reminding us that we can make home wherever we are, as they have done. Apart from getting sick at the end of the trip, it was a perfect visit and did alot of for Addy, and the rest of us. And now we are back home, celebrating w Daddy and enjoying being together and looking back at the past that brought us here, and the exciting future of things to come.
[Getting her ears pierced w cousin Audrey-this is something she'd been asking for all year. She seemed surprised w how much it hurt, but didnt cry or anything! They both look so cute!]
[meanwhile, these two walked around and did bath bombs etc.]
[We had a blast at the park, the play place, temple square, with the tabernacle and the church history museum, the farmers market and a few bakeries and it was fun!]
[this time we did funfetti w a honey vanilla buttercream frosting!]
[we love love LOVED being able to visit with the old gang from the ssf ward! still as fun as ever!]
