8 Years Old

We celebrated Avril's 8th birthday last Saturday, the 25th. This was her first real "friends" party. Six friends from her class at school came over to the house about 10am. It sounds early, but our original plan was to go to the park for the party and it's much emptier early in the morning. However, rain threatened most of the day so we changed our plans very early Saturday morning. It was really wonderful. We had such a fun time. The kids ran in the yard (because it didn't rain--HA!), bobbed for apples and played Pin the Ear on the Elephant (per Avril's request). Bobbing for apples was a huge hit as the kids thoroughly loved submerging their heads underwater. The elephant I made turned out pretty well. I am rather proud of this considering I have no artistic ability, but sometimes you're just feelin' it, and it turned out looking like a real elephant. :)
Adrian grilled out hot dogs to accompany our chips and veggie tray, caramel popcorn and apples to dip in caramel after the bobbing was finished. We had cake and presents. The kids, especially the boys, were duly impressed that Avril wanted a Star Wars cake. Several parents stayed and we adults really enjoyed visiting as the kids ran around. Avril was so blessed by the whole day. It was so meaningful for her to have school friends over and enjoy themselves at her party. She really loved it. It gave me such joy to see her so happy.
It astounds me that Avril is already 8. My memory of her birth is so vivid (perhaps it always remains that way) it seems just a few years ago. Am I really that old? Apparently so.
We have witnessed a lot of growth in Avril over this past year. God is clearly working in her heart. She has a lot of issues that will probably challenge her for many years, but there is grace also evident. For that I am grateful beyond words. She is a precious treasure and I am so thankful to have her.


Regarding the pictures: #1 & 2--the night before, after we finished decorating the cake;#3 Avril bobbing for apples. She got one too (sorry the order is mixed up); #4-6 Cake time!; #7 Playing with a cool toy--A Deep Sea Explorer Set (deep sea boat, man with tools and angler fish); #8 The reason that toy was bought. She chose an Angler fish for a project that was due the next week for school. It was the only I found. But it really is a cool toy that the girls will really enjoy playing with. And her project turned out really well. P.S. This was her gift from Grandaddy and Jill. Good job. :)