Amazing SEVEN years

Today was sweet Addie Pie's seventh birthday. I know each year I say something along the lines of "I can't believe she's another year older," but it's still true! Seven is like totally not a little kid anymore--she's a legit mid-kid.  In fact, she's closer to being a teenager now than to being a baby! Ack!

She's been counting down the days for weeks now.

She woke up at 5am and came into our bedroom asking, "Is it after 12 yet?" When we said "yes, Happy Birthday!" she was beaming.  Next thing we know, she's cuddled under the covers with Brian and crying. He asks what's wrong and she replied, "nothing, I'm just so excited and happy." The smile on her face was from ear to ear. I've never met anyone who is so excited for her own birthday. As Brian said to me, it's because Addie knows she's special and has so many people who want to celebrate with her.

Overnight I did some very basic decorating with streamers in the foyer for Addie.

Here's her reaction as she saw the streamers.

 Really, I don't think the decorations were worthy of her expression, but I guess I'll take it.

 The beautiful smile of a seven year old!

 That's a large number 7!! She went to school and had a great day of everyone doting on her.

When I got home from work, I was quickly told to "don't look in here!"

Eventually I was told it was ok to come in and I got to see Addie wearing her new outfit from Aunt Wendy and Uncle Richard...

 Holy smokes! Is that a 7 year old or a 17 year old? She's a little Bohemian princess. Soo cute

 Look at her. Seriously. So grown up, but still the giddy, funny, sweet, talented little lady she's always been!

 Hard to believe I was holding this brand new baby seven years ago and now she's this lovely girl!

 Ben with his best friend.

 We opened some presents out back. First was a new swim shirt.

 Then was a box set of MadLibs. She will have such a blast with them. Both Brian and I have fond childhood memories of playing MadLibs. It'll especially be fun for Addie and Ben since they love words and reading so much.

 My boys.

 We snapped some pictures while Addie was on the phone with her admirers.

 Finally, she opened her "ultimate gift." There's only one thing she really asked for...

a diary with a lock!! That look in her eyes (some may call smizing) is pure delight and happiness.  Her diary got opened immediately and after they went to bed, Ben yelled down to us, "Sometime when I'm older can I have a diary with a lock too?"

I can't imagine what she needs to lock up in her diary, but it must be something special. 

Overall, a wonderfully happy birthday for a wonderfully special girl.

Saturday will be her birthday party with her friends and extended family too.