8 years old

Every year it's hard to believe how old my oldest is.  It's such a milestone, her birth.  Everyone's is, of course, but her's marks a before and after that is quite significant.  Before kids, our lives were different, and though some change was gradual, some was immediate.

We love you, Moo!!!!!! You are the definition of light and of love and wings. (I didn't just come up with that, it's part of a line in the poem by e.e. cummings)

Moo wanted a royal tea party, with treasure hunt, decorating of crowns, and a ball room dance.   I realized that maybe we have now come to a place where I do much less planning of the birthday parties.  She came to me with a detailed plan, down to the decorations, the guests, the activities. . . We had to pare it down a bit, but it sure made my job easier.  And fun was had by all, I believe!

Of course, my favorite part came at the end, when all these princesses and princes were running around the yard, jumping in the leaves, starting up a soccer game, and chasing each other wildly!

Thanks to my friends, Carrie and Carol, who came to the rescue when I discovered I had left my camera at my parents' house!  They took the pictures and sent them to me. . . THANK YOU!!!