I know you are all DYING to hear about all my adventures last week with Mandi, but I must make this post before it is too outdated.
Yesterday was Alix’s birthday. My sweet lovable Alix is now 8 years old. Accountable for her own actions and ready to get baptized. I can’t believe it. She had a fun birthday. On Tuesday August 11 she went to breakfast with dad, a highlight to everyone’s birthday now. She enjoyed a yummy breakfast, some video games and of course an It’s-it.
On Wednesday August 12, Alix’s actual birthday, we planned very little, her request. She got to lounge around the house most of the day and read or play or do whatever she wanted too. The rest of us did all of our regular chores and activities. Alix was in heaven. I spent the morning trying to decorate her cake; an aquarium theme. I was a little stressed at first. Then I borrowed some supplies from Camille (Thanks!) and had my confidence again. Then I started melting chocolate to make some fun shells as decoration and got discouraged again. I only melted 2 plastic bowls in the microwave before I realized what I should do. Then my confidence soared and I came up with this creation:
top view
Side view. Like my lobster? That’s my favorite part!
For the afternoon we went to this water park in Livermore (so fun! for those of you who live close, ask me about it, you’ll want to go).
Alix coming off the water slide
It took Keri a few minutes to warm up. Leilani joined us too.
Afton thought this was the greatest thing.
Niah was a fish in the water.
It was a great afternoon. The kids didn’t want to leave, but we had to. As soon as we got home we took showers and I started dinner. Alix had requested chicken nuggets, tater tots and corn. It was so yummy and easy.
We invited the neighbors to have dinner with us and Leilani and a friend came over too. After dinner we had cake and ice cream and then opened presents.
Alix was ready to “dive” in!!
“Party” guests
Alix was so excited for everything and enjoyed all the attention. Thanks to everyone who called her and gave her presents and sent her cards. You all helped to contribute to an absolutely wonderful day.
Thanks Brack’s and Jaime for the gifts!!
8 Wonderful things about Alix (in no particular order):
1- she loves to read anytime, anywhere to anyone. that really helps me in the afternoons or evenings when some kids need to relax (aka have a book read to them) and others need to go to bed. Thanks ALIX!!
2- she loves to smile and laugh. i don’t think i ever see Alix not smiling. she loves to make others smile too.
3- she is so tan. so i realize i should not focus on a physical attribute, but she reminds me of me when i was her age. dark, dark, dark. she is beautiful with her dark skin in the summer and her sun bleached hair (i didn’t have that).
4- her desire to serve. Alix loves to do special jobs and not say anything and just let you be surprised.
5- she is such a good friend. she tries to share and work together with her friends. she can make a new friend so easily just by her smile and kind demeanor.
6- her love of the gospel. she wants so badly to be perfect that she tries each and everyday by reading her scriptures and saying her prayers. she loves to answer questions and she always has the right answers.
7- her ability to fold laundry. of all my kids so far, she is an A+ laundry folder. better than if I did it myself.
8- her imagination. she has the ability to turn anything into a fun game.
Alix you are awesome and we love you!! Thank you for joining our family and bringing such joy to our lives. Always remember who you are and that you are part of an eternal family that loves you very much. Here’s to many more wonderful birthdays!
Happy Birthday Alix!! Sounds like you had a great day- we were thinking about you.
And Sami- I think Alix looks SO much like you. Especially the smile and the fact that it is constant, just like her mom… with lighter hair ;-)
One of these days I am going to call you up and say “I’m coming over just to visit you, no other reason!” So be prepared.
Wow! Your cake turned out so cute. I LOVE the lobster! It’s the first thing I noticed and so creative. It looks like you had a wonderful day.
Happy Birthday Alix!!