Elly's 6th Birthday

Wow, it's hard to believe we're at the end of February. But at least in the short--but this year, very long--month we have Elly's bday to get us through to the end. I think it's a mixed blessing but she's learned all her days of the week and to count very well as she's checked off days getting here.

Because of the snow and cold and schedules, this year's festivities came in spurts of fun. Wednesday was cupcake and cake baking and decorating day. She wanted something springlike and settled on M&M flowers on a bright green and yellow cake. That day went according to plan, the rest of the day have been increasing Elly's flexibility.

Thursday started out with the fun of Ashley and Ady coming to play but Carissa had a cough and couldn't come in the afternoon. That turned out OK since Mom realized the house needed some cleaning. We met Grammie, Papa, Uncle Luke and his new friend, Heidi in Fremont and Elly picked Runza (so she could have real chicken strips). Since we had the very occasional treat of kids meals to boot which at Runza includes ice cream...all was well. The highlight there was a special jewelry organizer (just what Elly needs!) that her Papa made for her. She and Mama were thrilled. We got home in time to see some Olympic figure skating (no not all of it) and that was an added bonus.

Friday dawned and Elly was in to see if she could open the packages from Mom and Dad...which she did before breakfast while we all camped on the bed. Her favorite was an outfit...which she proceeded to change into immediately and a digital camera. She got the hang of it (thankfully only 4 buttons total (on, playback, up and the clicker) after we bought batteries. And she took some really good face shots.

After that the day kind of morphed. We expected to do school and then get ready to have Bible Study and a little fun for El's bday. But due to sick kids, extra work hours and such that all got cancelled. At this point, Mama knew we needed a little something special...so we hopped in the van after school and got a taco, and then we hit Target where Elly was able to spend her $6 from Grammie getting accessories for her Easter outfit (Yes, she's already got it planned.) and finding batteries to run her camera.

Our afternoon then turned out well...we got to decorate with balloons and streamers which we wouldn't have time for. Then Miss Lynette, Ashley and Lyndsey saved the day by coming over for cupcakes and bringing "my best gift"...a baby polar bear that you can feed and cuddle and a set of hair scarves. GrandMary and Grandpa George came soon afterwards to eat tilapia, rice and raw veggies (Elly's requested dinner) as well as ice cream and her beautiful cake. They brought a beautiful mirror that GrandMary's friend, Mrs. Park had painted with flowers and Elly's name. Elly also opened a tea set from Aunt Sam and all with a lazy susan organizer which she decided made just the right centerpiece for the table.

We had time for a little more Olympics before bed and the new 6 year old went to bed having had a full day of fun--with her new polar bear in tow.