Calista: 8 is Great!

Calista begged to have a birthday party this year. At first, I said no. With grandparents coming, and her baptism, and our busy summer, it just seemed like too much. But then I thought more about it. Why does it need to be a big thing? Why not just lots of snacks and friends playing at the park? So that's what we did.

Having a summer birthday can be hard, though. We had to hand out invitations before school even got out, and so many people were out of town. Calista took it in stride, though, excited to just be able to have a party.

Before her party, I was worried we'd have to change our plans. There were thunderstorms and pouring down rain pretty much every day for at least a week before her party, and for a while, that was forecast to continue on the day of, too. But, the prayers of an almost-8-year-old were answered, and day of her party was sunny and beautiful. Yay!

And, despite many of her friends being unable to make it, everyone had a blast. They got wet and dirty, ate tons of snacks and sugar, and ran around playing for a couple of hours. The perfect afternoon.

My parents and sister came into town for Calista's baptism, but that also meant they were here for her birthday. A few days early, my mom took Calista on a date. Both of them had a blast and Calista came home with some new clothes and a cool looking cookbook.


For her actual birthday, the kids begged to open presents first thing, which was a little unexpected, but once everyone was awake and ready, we decided to oblige them.

Calista was pretty excited about her art stuff, jewelry, and Awesome 8 book,

because she's 8 and she's awesome!


After presents, we all went to Broadmoor Lake Park, and had an enjoyable morning running around,

climbing,

and getting wet.

It gave us quite the appetite for A&W for lunch.


Grandpa Ken was able to join us for dinner - lasagna rolls and cookie cake.

Yummy!

It was a fun birthday(week), and we now have one adorable eight-year-old!