Ella's Ten

Earlier this summer we celebrated Ella's tenth birthday, her fourth in our family.  Since double digits are kind of a big deal, Craig and I decided to take Ella out for a special pre-birthday adventure through town, hitting up some of our favorite places. Ella had a clue to solve to figure out our next destination each time we got into the car.  We started with breakfast, followed by a pedicure and haircut, then a stop at Claire's to get her ears pierced, and finally a movie.

The following day we had a party at home with family and friends.  We had splashing and jumping and popcorn and jello and fireworks and a failed campfire.  We had Polaris rides up and down the street, chicken and salad and cake, presents, laughter and lots of hugs.

In the 36 hours that we celebrated Ella's birthday, there was so much unexpected kindness extended to her and to our family which reminded us how loved all of us are.  At our salon, they did not charge for the pedicure giving it to Ella as a gift instead.  One neighbor brought what I would call a bag of beauty for Ella as a present and then another neighbor gave her a manicure on her front porch.  Yet another neighbor who owns a restaurant sent us a plate of freshly baked giant chocolate chip cookies that are served at the restaurant.  Cousins invited to our party came with a load of homegrown vegetables and jars of homemade jam for us.  We're so appreciative of these thoughtful and generous expressions of care for our family.

Happy tenth birthday, Ella-Bobella-Nutella-Stracciatella.

We hope the double digits bring you everything you dream of

and lead you to everything we know you can be.