Happy Birthday to Us!

I never got around to posting my birthday pics, so here they are!

Kiera picked out a folding card that she thought was the coolest.

Even though I had been up already, when Kiera woke up, she insisted

that I open my cards and gift in bed.

We met up with Grandpa for a birthday bike ride on the tow path 

trails along the canal. Then to the Courtyard for lunch!

 Posing with a cool car

My birthday is the day after National Cheese Cake Day, and

each year, Cheese Cake Factory has half price cheese cake on the 

30th and 31st. This year, we met up with Nanny Jane for a 

birthday lunch and treat! 

It's no surprise that Dave's fave color is purple, so we hit Target

up for some purple decorations and went to town decorating for

Dave's special day. Kiera was so proud of her sign. As much

as I enjoy decorating and making things look "just right," I love

Kiera's signs and decor even more!

It was a lazy Sunday afternoon celebration...as you can see from

this picture!

Not sure what part of his day Dave enjoyed more...taking a nap,

being with his family or his strawberry rhubarb pie!?

Kiera turned 7 1/2 this September! She picked out her own cake

from Heinens and invited two of the neighbors over to celebrate.

This was the only picture I got of the cake...

Girl Scout Bridging Ceremony

They started out as a group of eight Kindergarten girls in Daisies and are now a group of 13 second grade Brownies. To mark their change in rank, we had a Girl Scout Bridging Ceremony "bridging" the girls from Daisies to Brownies. They ceremony took place on a bride in Clague Park. It was symbolic, simple and sweet. I read an interactive story about a ungrateful little girl that changed into a kind, helpful and responsible girl after looking in the pond for a reflection of someone who could make a difference...that person is ME! Then the girls walked across the bridge one by one and received their new Brownie vest from Miss Lia. We ended the ceremony with a picnic at the park. 

Waiting for their turn to "bridge"

Kiera getting her new Brownie vest

Reciting the Girl Promise

"On my honor I will try: To serve God and my country,

To help people at all times and to live by the Girl Scout Law."

We ended with the Friendship Circle

Then the girls decided to put all of their hands in and cheer "Brownies!"

Happy Birthday, Val!

Feliz Cumpleaños Valerie! The birthday girl chose Mexican for her birthday dinner and we did it up right! Dinner on the Si Senor's patio, a quick trip to Crocker Park, followed by cupcakes at the Kette Casa.  We enjoy having you around, Val...you fit right in! 

Birthday shots!

No shot for me, I was the DD

We couldn't pass up the great photo op using the
Corona cut outs!

Next up was a quick trip to Crocker Park to hit the 

last day of the sale at Aveda

Finally, we headed home for dessert...

So jazzed to break out the new cupcake stands!

The birthday girl

I love this picture and the silliness behind it...all three of them

are trying to use only the air from their noses to blow out the candle!

We ended the night with a rousing game of flashcards!