The Magnificent Seven

It was great week in these parts as we celebrated Lily's 7th birthday. It is truly hard to believe that in seven years Lily has grown from this to a dynamic, smart, engaging, funny kid. Where does the time go?

After last week's busy three day weekend we rolled right into the second week of 1st grade. Lily seems to be doing very well and she tries very hard. Homework started tonight so it will be easier to track her progress going forward. Her hope for the year (she made a mini poster for her classroom) was to do well in math this year. On Thursday she had her fifth piano lesson and her play is coming along well. She practices regularly and seems to enjoy playing and showing off for her brother.

Friday was her chance to celebrate her birthday with her classmates. Mini cupcakes were brought in for everyone and she had a lot of fun sharing. She is buying lunch at school one day a week and has been picking Friday as she seems to like the school pizza.

On Saturday it was Lily's actual birthday. Jack woke up bright and early - 6:30 - because he was excited to open presents for Lily. We headed downstairs around 7:30 when Lily woke up and she opened gifts - lots of American Girl accessories and clothes which she loves. Her doll, Julie, is currently in the hospital having her thumb repaired - a dog related injury from a couple of summers ago. Julie is supposed to return from the hospital tomorrow. She also got a new arts and craft kit and some Nintendo games. After presents we made a big homemade breakfast and the Lily headed off to her friend Fisher's rock climbing birthday party. She had a great time and Jack and I used the time to go get his hair cut. He was great at the barber - he was patient since we had to wait about half an hour - and then when it was his turn he climbed right in to the chair. He sat their like a big kid the whole time. After that it was off to the carwash and we picked up Lily's birthday cake.

Saturday evening we went out for dinner and then took the kids to Dave & Busters to play some games. Lily and Jack had a great time and slept really well! Sunday was party day and Lily and her friends had a great gymnastics party complete with a gymnastics cake. Nine friends joined Lily and Jack and they played and ran around like crazy kids! After the party we went home where Lily proceeded to open even more presents. She got lots of great stuff from lots of great friends and from the rest of the family. After wrapping paper craziness we all went out for dinner with Grandpa Maurice, Grandpa Tom, Grandma Gail and Aunty Kelly. Needless to say everyone slept well last night.

Today it was back to school. After her school day, LIly had her seven year appointment. She did great at the appointment - she is 48.5 inches tall and she is in the 67th percentile for height. She keeps growing like a weed! After the doctor she got to hang out with Grandma Gail and Grandpa Tom again as they came over to babysit while we headed off to back to school night. We got to see Lily's classroom and meet her teacher. He teacher seems great and it looks like she is great hands for the year.

That is all for this week. Happy belated birthday wishes to Cousin Stephanie!




Posing for picture before birthday present mayhem begins.


Working on some new art while sporting her new American Girl matching pjs. The art kit was put together by Lil's cousin Stephanie. She dove right in.


Jack getting a haircut. He was a big boy and when it was his turn he climbed right up into the chair himself.


Working with some dough to pass the time while waiting for dinner. Check out that snazzy C3P0 Lego watch he is sporting.


Riding a motorcycle during a game at Dave & Busters.


Lily hit the 500 ticket jackpot on the big wheel spin game.

With Jack and her friend James at her gymnastics party




Trampoline work.


Party craziness.


Hayley, Casey, Fisher, Lily and Jack in the moon bounce like train thing.


Pausing in the midst of party chaos.


Getting ready for some cake.


The cake.


Jack waiting for a slice.



Singing.


Showing off her reading skills for Grandpa Maurice.


Jack opening up some trains with Grandma Gail's help.


Playing around on the new trampoline from Grandma Gail and Grandpa Tom. We are going to need a a bigger basement.


After party dinner at our favorite local spot - Nando's Peri Peri. She can be a bit of messy eater!