Birthday Girl

Ella Kate's birthday was quite busy. She is attending an art camp this week, so she spent her special day crafting, playing and meeting new friends. She had a fabulous time.

Since camp lasted all day, we opted to just have cupcakes and ice cream at our house instead of going out for a birthday dinner. Walker made the cupcakes. He was so proud.

EK was excited to open a few gifts.

It was necessary to immediately begin assembling the new Lego set from Haley and Robert. Girlfriend loves some Legos. 

Emma had a big time visiting.

Brother was not a huge fan of all the focus being on EK, he was however a fan of his 3 bowls of ice cream and some leftover candy he found.

This is Steven. He is one of our students but he's more like family. I love that my kids have "big kids" that invest in their lives and are such amazing role models. The fact that Steven wanted to come and "wish EK a happy birthday in person as opposed to over social media" is pretty special! We may just keep him here with us instead of letting him go to TSUN in August!

Sweet girls.

Thanks to the soon to be Henshaws....

And to Kay Kay and G for helping us celebrate EK!

We love you Ella Kate and we can't wait to see what is in store for you this year as a big 6 year old!!!!

Under the Sea at the Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium did not disappoint! We all were in awe of each exhibit and so enjoyed our time exploring. There were approximately 5 billion people there with us, but after 2 weeks in China, we can handle any crowd!

The whale sharks were incredible!

It was really interesting to listen to the scuba divers answer questions while swimming with the whale sharks and manta rays. 

Walker was pumped up to see his dear alligators. 

The dolphins are always my favorites. They are just so playful and entertaining.

One dolphin kept coming up to Walker like he was kissing him. 

Playing with penguins.

EK really loved the Beluga Whales. They are amazing animals!

We got to enjoy the dolphin show before heading back to the hotel. 

We loved our time under the sea with EK and Walker and a big thanks to my parents for keeping Emma at the hotel!!!

American Girl Birthday

For months, Ella Kate has talked about wanting to go to the American Girl store for her birthday. I have no idea how she came up with the idea or even knew that such a place existed but she was dead set on making her dream a reality so we went with it. Instead of having a birthday party this year, we opted for a birthday celebration get away and I think she was well pleased!

Why didn't I come up with this stuff? The outfits and accessories were all so stinking cute and that place was packed with little girls oohing and ahhing over each display.

EK got her beloved Mary Reeves for Christmas when she was three, so she chose a school set for her birthday gift since she didn't need another doll. She was THRILLED with her desk, locker, book bag and hot lunch tray!

Mom and I had such a fun time too! Why wasn't this around when I was little?

After shopping, we had a few minutes to play before our reservations at the bistro. EK and MR took a spin on the carousel that was by the store.

Then it was tea and craft time. EK was so excited for MR to have her special seat at the table with us.

There was a little box of conversation starter questions on the table and it was so sweet to hear the answers that EK gave for each question.

MR had her own tea party set up as well.

How precious is our little tea party spread?!? It was all so tasty!

The bistro staff brought cupcakes, cookies and ice cream out for the birthday girl and they sang to her. She got so teased but finally decided to blow out her candle.

It was absolutely incredible to get to share the day with my big girl. To see the excitement and joy in her eyes was just amazing and I love that we got to make such precious memories together!