Turning 8 is Great!

I love birthdays.  A day to celebrate.  Fun.  Good food.  Presents.  Time with family and friends.  Memories. And the list could go on…. 

This week we celebrated Mackaylan’s 8th birthday… American Girl Style!  While I a will never claim to be a decorator or party planner, I do try my best to make the ordinary EXTRAordinary on special occasions!

Mackaylan was greeted on her birthday by streamers, balloons, and her favorite birthday breakfast- waffles!

Mickey was able to go into work a little late so he could be home for her early morning birthday party! 

After eating breakfast, Mackaylan opened her gifts and then we told her the big surprise… we were heading to Atlanta to the American Girl store!  While she knew she was going to the store for her birthday, she thought it was going to be later on in the week and was thrilled that she was going to be there in just a few hours!

After stopping for lunch at Chick-fil-A, making a return at Best Buy, and fueling up for gas, we were on our way. 

We all had a blast at The Store and Mackaylan opted for Saige instead of the daybed we had originally planned to purchase.  Saige is the Girl of the Year and is “only available for a limited time” which was the determining factor in a very stressful decision.

While we were at The Store, Mackaylan made a new friend when she started off the conversation with, “Why would a guy want to work here?!”  Gotta love the innocence of a child! However, they really hit it off and he introduced her to other employees and just raved and raved on what an awesome little girl she was.  It. made. her. day!

Mickey wasn’t able to go with us on our little road trip, but the girls and I had a fun time visiting The Store and spending some quality time together.  We enjoyed a relaxing night in the hotel complete with cookies and milk before bedtime!

I definitely think this excursion beat out any party that could have been had, and the memories we made will last a lifetime!  Mission accomplished!

Easter 2013

Easter is such a special time for our family because it is the day we celebrate the cornerstone of our faith- the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  This year was the first year in 5 years that my mom has been off for Easter so she treated us to a delicious lunch.  Pop-O ate with us because Grams and Aunt Betsi are currently in England visiting friends for Spring Break!

Our Easter Sunday started off like any other Sunday… breakfast from Bojangles! 

After breakfast the girls “opened” their Easter baskets.  It made my heart smile when I heard Mackaylan say she “totally forgot about the Easter bunny!” It made me proud that as a family we had focused on the real meaning of Easter- Jesus Christ!

Once the girls were ready I tried to get a few shots.  It was raining outside at that point so I had to take them in the house.  They were both so cute I couldn’t turn down this photo opportunity.  Plus, my battery was now fully charged on my camera, and as I told Mackaylan while I was fixing her hair… the “Mamarazzi” is back in action!

This Easter was the 2nd year that our church as put on and Easter drama called “The Story of Jesus.”  Mickey has been in it both years.  It is a very moving production and really puts into perspective the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.  I thought I was going to be in the nursery during the service, but Pop-O came and let me go to service.  Before I left I was able to take a few shots of the cuties in my room.  I love this picture of Lydia because it reminds me so much of my mama.  Just another reason why I always call her “Little Linda!”

After church we went to my mom and dad’s for lunch.  My mom prepared a wonderful meal complete with ham, veggies, rolls, and apple pie and icecream.  It was nice to be able to spend time with my parents (and Pop-O). We ate too much and laughed a lot!

One word sums up this holiday for me: BLESSED!!!