sledding at Hoyt park

Gooki

Tonight at bedtime Elise and I were talking about her future Prince Charming, her Mr. Right.  She wondered aloud what his name might be, and I quickly answered "George" for no reason.  She then came back with a silly, made-up name, "Gooki."  Embarrassed smile. Twinkling eyes.

We talked about what Gooki might be like.  We decide he would definitely be funny.  "Because you're so funny."  "Yeah."  And would know that God was real.  "And we would go to church together." That he would be really kind to others and unselfish.  Then I added that he would think Elise was the most amazing woman on the planet and would treat her like a princess, at which point she flung herself on my bed with a nervous, excited giggle.

Elise then decided that they should live in a duplex that they would share with Toby and me.  With a door cut out between them so we could go back and forth.  :)

I love my Elise Kathryn.  And I'm praying for Gooki, wherever and whoever he is.  Can't wait to be your neighbor.  ;)

And, just for the record...
I'm considering making Elise read this post everyday of her teenage years.  :)

Elise's 7th Birthday

 Elise turned 7!  To celebrate she wanted a small friend party at our house with a mermaid theme.

 First, the girls decorated under-the-sea placemats and completed a mermaid word search page.

 Then a special guest arrived to lead the girls on a treasure hunt:

Captian Long Father, the pirate!

Figuring out the clues!

 Elise wonders if the treasure is in the large chest?

She was right!

 Dividing up the loot!  (Chocolate coins, lollipops, and fake money)

 Playing Pass the Present

 Sylvie opened an Elmo puzzle.

 Opening gifts from her friends.

 Later that evening, we hosted - at Elise's request - a pancake supper in honor of our birthday girl.

 Complete with her favorite food, bacon. :)

 Finishing off the batter with Nana.

 A Beanie Boo from her sisters.

Watching Elise open her gifts.  This year was the first year she asked for cold, hard cash.  And now she has her own savings account at our local credit union.  What a big kid.

(And what a big belly.  I'm about 20 weeks pregnant now.)

party goers :)

 Elise Kathryn, we cannot believe that our first baby girl is already SEVEN!  You are a wonderful, creative, witty, beautiful child, and we love you SO much!  We love who you've been, who you are today, and the amazing young lady you are becoming.  Here for you always, love mom.