An American Girl Birthday Trip

Last year, my mom and I took Sadie to the Los Angeles American Girl store for her 10th birthday. This past summer, a new AG store opened just north of Seattle and Sadie knew right away she wanted to celebrate her 11th birthday there. It is super convenient that the new store is an hour from my mom's house and 5 minutes from Tony's sister's house. So my mom and Chrissie joined us for a girlie day.

Sadie's American Girl store shopping agenda:

1. Find Kanani, 2011 Girl of the Year.

2. Gather the rest of the items on wish list (it was huge)

3. Purchase said items.

4. Go to AG Cafe for an early dinner

Grandma got some yummy looking dessert!

Auntie Chrissie did too!

You gonna eat that whole thing, Sadie? (Hint: Nope!)

Then we did a little shopping around at Alderwood Mall

And went over to Chrissie and Aaron's house for a quick visit.

They got Sadie a real purple wood Harry Potter wand!!

All in all, it was a fun, delicious, enjoyable day with our newly turned 11 year old. We love you, Sadie!

Sadie's Special Day

Sadie's actual birthday was on a Sunday, so we had a special breakfast of donuts and eggs and then headed off to church.

That day was our Fall kickoff at church, so we stayed after and had lunch and there lots of fun activities for the kids. (Including face painting)

Sadie chose Red Robin for dinner (I have trained her well, heehee!)

Somebody doesn't mind being sung to!!

I still can't believe I have an 11 year old. How time flies!

Sadie's Birthday Party

The day before Sadie's birthday was her family party. The day started off with us at Zack's rainy soccer game... (Side note - I didn't notice that Zack is in this picture until just now!)
Then it was party time!

Mmmmmm!

Then time for gifts/cards. This year, Sadie requested money to take with her to the American Girl store in Seattle.

Family and friends

Then a little Just Dance 2 for entertainment

In lieu of cake... chocolate brownie trifle!

Birthday twins - Grandma Jacque and Sadie!

I Can't Believe She is 11!!

They say that time flies.

They are so right.
My baby girl is 11 years old today.
I can't even believe it.
It seems like yesterday that she was this tiny little baby.

Look at how she has grown!

6 months old

1 year old

2 years old

3 years old

4 years old

6 years old

8 years old

10 years old

Today at 11 years old. What a blessing Sadie is to our family. Every day I give thanks to God for giving her to us.

Happy Birthday Sadie, we love you!!

First Day of School - Take 2

Drew's official first day of Kindergarten finally came and he was sooooo excited!!

Let's get the show on the road!!

First friend he found was his good buddy, Ty!

Big sis saying goodbye. :)

Looking at books with some new and old friends

I picked up a happy guy after school...

And a very tired guy, too!

First Day of School - Take 1

Well, Summer '11 had come to an end and it was time for school to start again. All of my kids really enjoy school, so besides having to get up early, the first day/week went really well!

The traditional pictures in front of the Jackson Elementary sign

Kindergartner

5th Grader

2nd Grader

It was kinda bright...

Drew's first official day was two days later, but that morning he had a meet and greet with his teacher and some of his classmates

Passing the time

Signing in

Carpet time with Mrs. Davis