Maya's 8th Birthday

Maya's special day started with hot chocolate and pancakes with pink frosting gel hearts drawn on them. Also one present she was allowed to open early--new school shoes (she was VERY pleased with them because she doesn't have to try to tie them; they slip right on). She also was very excited to take fudge-dipped oreos to share with her classmates.

For her birthday, Maya had requested that we go to McDonalds (one with a playplace) for dinner. Unfortunately, Isabelle and Tristan were recovering from a 24 hour stomach flu or food poisoning episode, so we had to postpone those plans. However, when I told her we would have pizza for dinner, she pumped her fist in the air and gave a shout of glee, so I think that choice was acceptable.

For days the only thing she has been able to talk about is her birthday, especially the expected presents! It got to the point where we actually had to have a little discussion on being greedy. :)  After dinner we had her birthday cake. I made her a strawberry pink pony cake this year, and she chose chocolate moose tracks ice cream to go with it. I layered the cake with sweetened strawberries and cream cheese. The cake turned out very moist and delicious!

Finally the long anticipated moment came...presents!

Maya basked in the love and attention from her siblings as they presented her with the gifts they had prepared.

She was excited to receive her very own purple bean bag.

She also received a new placemat, craft activities and a lap harp.

 She loved staying up past her bedtime for her first lesson on the lap harp with her Daddy.

After presents we played "Pin the Tail on the Donkey." We haven't played this in a long time and everyone enjoyed it, even little Sebastian.

Happy Birthday Maya! You are such a sweetheart! I love your tender spirit.