Golden Birthday

Evangeline has been so excited for her golden birthday this year.  I had never heard of a golden birthday until recently, but it's where you turn the same age as the day you were born.  For Evangeline, her golden birthday was turning 7 on the 7th.  We surprised her with 7 gold balloons at the breakfast table when she woke up.  It was the best way this birthday girl to start her day.  (Side note:  trying to get those 7 balloons in the car with Jed in my arms was a real challenge and quite a sight to anyone who may have seen us, I'm sure.)

Kyle and Evangeline were scheduled to perform at church on this morning.  Evangeline sang "Just a Closer Walk with Thee" and Kyle played the guitar.  Evangeline got to open one present before church.  It was a new dress to wear to church.

 

Then it was the special breakfast she picked out at the store...vanilla cupcake Poptarts.

I can't put into words the joy I felt as Evangeline sang at church this day.  Kyle also did so well.  I was bursting with pride for both of them.  I didn't take a picture during their performance, but I did get one of them practicing the day before....

After church we had a little celebration.  The grandmas came for lunch and birthday cake.  Zachary, Candice and Cale came too. 

 

Uncle Zach enjoyed listening to Evangeline intently explaining to him how to make a pompom. 

 

Keeping with the theme we had golden cake with chocolate frosting.  

 

Next it was time for the gifts.  Jed got her the "Cook Me a Story" book, which was a big hit.  

 

 

Her gifts from Mommy and Daddy included a poufy stool, which ended up being a favorite.  She also received a stuffed cat which I sewed for her.  It's a friend for her bunny, Rosie, which I gave her on her 4th birthday.  This was also a big hit. 

 

Zach, Candice and Cale brought her Perfection and she had her friend/neighbor, Kaiden, come over to have cake and play it with her.  (Evangeline is beyond thrilled to have neighbors.  She is taking it very seriously.  The other day she walked over to visit Alice next door.  She came back after a little while with a basket of garden-grown cucumbers and a violet plant telling me all about how Alice sliced up a fresh peach for her.)

 

And these two....

 

We tested out the vintage croquet set we purchased at the beginning of the summer in anticipation of having a yard to play it in....

I absolutely love this girl.  I say it all the time, but where did the time go?  I seriously can't believe it was 7 years ago since I brought that tiny baby home.  I am so delighted in the person she is blossoming into each day.  I love her quirky personality.  I love her confidence.  I love her compassion, her kindness, her humor.  I love her.  God bless you, my little golden girl.