Ella's 7th Birthday!

We wrapped up our fourth and final children's birthday today by celebrating Ella's 7th birthday!  Needless to say, Ella has been counting down the days for weeks and was just bursting with excitement today!  She was so excited to eat her birthday breakfast, take her treats to school to share with her classmates, and come home and celebrate with her family and grandparents this evening.  She just had a big grin on her face every time I saw her throughout the day.  Although my parents got in one of the worst traffic jams driving down to see us and arrived over an hour late, we just pushed dinner back an hour to give them the chance to go outside and play with the kids in the glorious, spring weather that we were blessed with today.  We then ate a delicious dinner of Ella's choice in the dining room before gift opening and eating banana cream pie for dessert.  Ella absolutely loved every present she opened and went to bed tonight as the happiest, 7-year-old around.  Although I am so exhausted from planning and hosting so many birthday parties all in a row on the heels of Christmas, I am so grateful for the chance to celebrate the life of this sweet, little girl who brings such energy and excitement to our family.  Oh, how I love my Ellie B!

Ella giving me a big smile before we sang "Happy Birthday" to her at breakfast this morning.

Ella blowing out her candles after making a wish.

Ella getting ready to run to class with her birthday treats in hand.

Ella posing for me in front of her birthday gifts before the party started.

Emmett and grandma playing together in our backyard.

Ella swinging on two swings!

Logan cruising around on the tough-boy tricycle that the kids recently rediscovered.

Lia cruising around the sport's court on her skateboard which is one of her favorite past times these days.

The family enjoying Ella's birthday dinner of ham, homemade mac 'n cheese, rolls, orange jello salad, carrots, and sparkling cider.

Ella getting ready to open her first gift from grandma and grandpa.

Ella modeling the beautiful, pink jacket from grandma and grandpa.  Although this jacket is supposed to be worn to church with dress, Ella announced that she would wear it to school tomorrow.  Since she is our little, fashionista, this came as no surprise to any of us.

Ella opening up one of our gifts...

An adorable camper set with a Chelsea doll and pony.

Ella showing off the fairy-themed, Little Sandbox set that she had asked for months ago.

Ella opening up another gift while wearing her new, dress-up cape.

Ella showing off the hand-painted, jewelry box that Aunt Blanche had made for her and sent in the mail.

Since I am rarely in pictures of these parties that I work so hard to plan and host, I specifically asked to have one taken with the birthday gift before we lit the candles and sang to her.  I just think that she is the cutest girl around!

Ella waiting for us to sing "Happy Birthday" to her.

Two sisters enjoying their chocolate cream pie together.

Although I wanted to get a picture of the birthday girl with her grandparents before they left at the end of the party, my dad was just too tired to get off the couch.  So, this was the best picture that I could get.  I figured it would make Ella laugh one day.

Happy Birthday, Ella!  I hope you know how much we love you!