Ella's 7th Birthday!

Ella glowed from sun-up to sun-down on her birthday. She soaked up all the extra attention and couldn't wipe the smile off her face!

Jake gave her a sweet Happy Birthday hug when he woke up.

The boys and I took the requested sugar cookies into her classroom and stayed to eat lunch with her. Miss Coburn makes sure everyone knows it's your birthday!

Maddie's age wasn't supposed to sit at our table, but it was probably better anyway because of the serious posse of girls that follow her! I love seeing all these friends sticking together.

After school Ella opted to go to ballet class with her friends, while the rest of us got ready for her birthday dinner and family celebrations.

The dinner request was honey lime enchiladas, always a favorite at our house.

This girl could NOT wait to open presents! Auntie Dana fulfilled a wish Ella didn't even know she had to have a new backpack with her own name on it!

The boys were as excited as Ella to help her open the gift from them (a Color-me-mine purse).

Grandma Osmond gave Ella a beautiful book with music ("Go In and Out the Window") illustrated with art from the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

We cracked up at her reactions... every time complete surprise and joy.  I have been impressed with Ella recently-- she couldn't think of anything she wanted for her birthday because she said she already had plenty of clothes and stuffed animals! Contentment is something most kids (or adults for that matter) don't feel very often.

The finale was the best... she never thought in a million years it would be an American Girl doll! Part of it was that we made Maddie wait until she was 8 to get a doll, so Ella thought she would have to wait too. But I got special permission from Maddie to do it a year early so they could have the next year to enjoy playing dolls together.

Ella has gone through the American Girl catalog a million times, so I knew just which doll she thought looked like her, with golden hair and blue eyes.

Grandma Marcia lent her amazing sewing skills and contributed a case of beautiful handmade clothes, including a Cinderella dress to match the birthday girl! She also made a ballerina outfit so they can dance together. And can't forget the kitty, who already has the name Cami.

Maddie insisted on giving the last gift, a purse of chapstick, which was just as thrilling as anything.

We are lucky to have a Grandma who lives nearby. I grabbed this cute picture and then wanted one of my own, although now I realize stripes on a 35 week tummy are not the best idea...

CinderElla helped me plan the details for the birthday, including framing the quote "Have courage and be kind," and the swirly cake with the glass slipper.

Hope this sweet 7 year old has all of her wishes come true!