Happy 4th Birthday, Ella!

I was bummed, at first, that Ella's birthday fell on a Sunday this year-- it

prevented us from doing anything (like a party or outing) on the actual day. However, Ella cleverly made her announcement about it being the "last day to be three" at Dave's Mission Trip Fundraising Dinner last night, so today about 500 people made a huge fuss over her. She got hugs, cards, candy, "Happy Birthdays!", a serenade in Children and Worship and even a few presents. All the attention has been one of many little special things about today.

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Following tradition, we opened the presents we've been collecting from the mail first thing in the morning. Thanks everyone!! What swelled my heart this year was Ella's huge hug and exclamation, "THANK you! I love it!" before even opening the present she was exclaiming over! Each gift was perfect for Ella and you demonstrated once again how well you know and love her with your birthday presents and cards.

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Ella said she wanted a Fancy Nancy cake after her favorite book character, who I suspect she thinks she is from time to time. I made this lavender purse cake and it was met with wide-eyed wonder. We sang and ate it after serving Ella's lunch of choice-- breakfast (cheesy omlets and waffles with strawberries).

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I post this video for the 10+ people who contributed to the singing and present she's talking about in it. What fun!

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Today has been good times trying out all the new presents. We've read the stories, tried on the necklace and dress-up clothes, watched Jana Alayra, put together the Fancy Nancy puzzle, stomped moles and jump-roped on Wii's Outdoor Challenge, made melty bead crafts and played Princess Yahtzee. Tonight I'll bring ice cream sandwiches to church and Ella can hand out a birthday treat to all her friends. PM church nursery is always like a giant party anyway, so it works out perfectly! Tomorrow we have a special family outing planned.