Monday, May 18, 2009

There goes my girl



Summer turned 8 years old. Wow.


She had to get a new bike. Her old one just looked silly, all knees and elbows. Hope this one last a few years.



And look how grown up she looks. Holy moley.

Ah, and the highly anticipated cake.


I managed a dragon after all...







Ignore the foil. I get a bit of tunnel vision when creating and forget some details...




Pretty cute, huh? It took me almost all day. And it was only for our little family of five. But it made Summer so so happy. She saw that morning that I had baked two 8 inch round cakes and could not figure out how that turned into this.


It wasn't easy.

But not that hard either.




Her very special gift from Daddy.

Its so neat to get gifts that are also a promise of time spent together. She is so excited to "escape" with Jason.


I admit to a bit of jealously.







And a couple things from her brother and sister.








The 1st real legos I have allowed in the house. I am almost certain that Grady wont eat them.




The day went as follows:

School where she brought Pretzel Hugs for the class. and the Spanish after school and we sent fruit roll ups as a special treat. Right home after class to open gifts and then out for dinner at Texas Road House with Grandma Cindy and Papa Rocky.


Where Summer sat on the saddle while everyone hollered for her.



She LOVED it.










Grady told Papa stories...







Teagen was extremely silly sitting by Grandma...








Summer and Daddy...






Peanut kisses...


And while birthdays are bitter-sweet, I certainly find them more sweet. I adore seeing these people grow. Yes, its happening fast. But I cannot change that. My job is to be sure that they enjoy THIS age, and learn and experience appropriately. I will fight hard to keep my girl acting as an 8 year old, and not allow the media or other parents and kids rush that.

I love that Summer plays hard, is not afraid to get dirty, and could care less about what someone is wearing or boyfriends. Its sad that she is one of the last girls in her class to still have these qualities.


So here's to being 8. What a great age. And its my favorite number:)

I love this girl with every ounce of my being. She is a spectacular person to grow up with!














11 comments:

Life is Love said...

I admire your craftiness. The cake looks awesome...but I have to admit...I am JEALOUS. You rock and Teagen is so lucky to have a mom like you. I would never know how to make something like that. Happy belated Birthday Teagan!

Mandy said...

You cake ROCKED! What a great cake! I love it! Summer looks so happy to get golf clubs! That's wonderful that her and jason can do something together!! what a great post!

Kristin said...

Happy Birthday Summer!!!!
I love the cake, I am beyond jealous. Why can't I have just a pinch of your craftiness. Again, I thinkI am going to puke!!! I do mean that with a lot of love.

It looks like the day was a success. I like your attitude on enjoying the age...not being sad about going back or forward. GREAT advice Mom!!!

Rachael said...

Summer is so grown up, love her to pieces...Happy Birthday Sum!

Stefanie said...

Happy Birthday to Summer! It looks like she had a wonderful day filled with lots of surprises & fun! What an incredible cake!

Julie said...

What a beautiful, sweet 8 year old Summer is!
You made her birthday wonderful and fun for her, can't wait to ride bikes together this summer. Give her a hug for me.
Julie

Mya said...

Awesome! You did a great job on that cake. Not to mention you have beautiful children and your are such a great mom.

Lea said...

Awesome job on the cake! But more importantly - happy birthday to Summer!! Amazing at how being a parent makes us truely appreciate all the little things.
To be 8 again.... ahhhh...

Shelly said...

Happy 8th birthday Summer!!! Jennie she is such a beautiful little girl, from all your pictures I can tell there is just sweetness about her. You did a wonderful job on her cake!

Lisa said...

Happy 8th birthday to your sweet Summer!!! Looks like she had a great birthday and you did a wonderful job on her cake!!=)
<3 ~L

Angi said...

wow, what an awesome birthday!! And that cake was, WOW! You are so amazing Jennie! Your kids are lucky : )