sophie's eighth birthday

       Sophie turned 8 last week. Eight sounds old. It's half way to 16. We really loved seven.

We spent her actual birthday celebrating the wedding of Delaney and Andrew in Leesburg, VA. Sophie was delighted to share her birthday with two people that both of our kids love dearly.

 We stayed in a hotel and got to do lots of swimming which is always fun for all (most) involved.

She got Kit, an American Girl Doll, for her birthday. She has been asking for one for quite awhile.

The day after her birthday, she and her cousin Lily shared a birthday party. Their birthdays are two days apart. Way back in basketball season, they planned a party together that involved an Anna and Elsa cake and having a fancy birthday party. The adults didn't go for fancy. But these two didn't mind a bit and always love an excuse to get dressed up.

Doh made this beautiful cake for them.

 They loved it! Look at those smiles!

 We sang to Lily . . .

And then Sophie . .  .

 And then to Aunt Jamie, Anita and Cameron who also have birthdays within a few days.

 Seven was a great year for Sophie. Some of her year's highlights included:

Disney World

her expander

stopping sucking her thumb

a tremendous 2nd grade year and teacher

our talks at night when we snuggle in bed

her new love of reading and writing

her low blood sugar episodes

long hair, short hair and growing it back out again

gymnastics

being my right hand girl

 favorite shows: littlest pet shop, strawberry shortcake and fixer upper

favorite books: junie b. jones & a to z mystery

One of the things I love most about Sophie is her ability to notice things. She notices the small things that everyone else passes by. She sees when things are new. She notices small animals, bugs and flowers when we so much as walk to the bus stop. She notices when someone needs a hug. It's often a sweet reminder to slow down and notice the things going on around you instead of bulldozing through life.  

And the traditional review of Sophie with her cake each year. Princesses and flowers seem to be a reoccurring theme. I picked years 1 & 2 and she's chosen the rest.

Happy Birthday, Sophie!