Happy Birthday Julia!

Can anyone believe this girl is 9 years old now?! I think I blinked and the years have just passed by...

Well, her first gift came around 6am when my phone started ringing--no school today! Our low was only 8 degrees last night and it never stopped raining (=iced roads everywhere). The kids were so excited at the thought of just running around in their pj's half the day (of course in elementary school it never occurs to them that this is a day to SLEEP IN). I made a deal with them--everyone get ready for the day and then Julia can open her gifts. It's so funny to see how eager and cooperative kids are when there's good incentive. :)

Julia opened her first gift from her siblings and I--she loves horses and she loves being artistic. So I thought this gift was perfect.



Painting by numbers. She wasted no time in getting started--and with no school, why not?


Nana totally earned some serious brownie points with this gift. A brand new (and incredibly soft) fleece horse blanket. Mom, I wish you could've heard all the squealing that came out of her mouth!



Her brand new webkin from Granny Mac. The webkin she originally wanted is expired (she's asking Santa for that one). This was the other one she wanted. I know she's nine and all, but this girl still absolutely LOVES her stuffed animals.


Has anyone ever been so excited to go to sleep? Julia was all smiles as she snuggled in with her blanket and Crookshanks (as the new cat is now named).



We're having a small party for her this weekend when Mom and Papa come with the kiddos. Julia's been looking forward to that FOREVER. She told me today that the part that she's looking forward to the most is just being with her "Mema and Papa--I really miss them." *sigh* My girl is growing up! Can't wait to see you guys Saturday!