elle turns 9!

How can it be that Elle, our first baby, is 9?! A friend posted something not that long ago that her daughter who had turned nine commented that she was half way to 18. That is not lost on Chris and me. We both feel like we haven't had near enough time with Elle to have her be ready to go in the same amount of time. We feel like there's so much more to show her, and do with her.

For her birthday this year Chris took her to school with Todd and Reese and they all ate in the cafeteria with the Easter bunny. Then I took her lunch after my class. The big ones get to pick a few friends to go eat in the library with their family. I like that I get some time to see how she interacts with her friends. For being such an introvert she is a great friend! I wish I could be more like her.

Then for dinner she chose to Texas Roadhouse. She loves that you can throw the peanuts on the floor. And of course Texas runs deep in her! I got her to wear her made in Waco shirt.

She also wanted to have a softball party. We originally planned to have it at her school field, but it was still wet and cold here in WV. So we moved it to the church fellowship hall. She had a good turnout between school and church friends. Aunt Kathy and Weston got to come for Easter so it was nice to have some family too.

We had decent enough weather that we could take the kids out the playground for a bit and play a game of whiffle ball. We also made some softball cornhole ramps and had a baseball pinata. We ate concession type foods, and thanks to Aunt Kathy had two great looking softball cakes. Elle seemed to have a great time, which was what we were hoping for.

Elle loves reading, writing, dogs, Tsum Tsums, softball, and her stuffed animals and American Girl doll. She has become really responsible for the most part. She can't keep her room clean, and she's pretty sassy at times, but we really do love her!  She plays and loves on each of her siblings in her own special way. Of course she's used to being the boss. She has really excelled in school, even making it to the spelling bee! She has really gotten into her American Heritage Girls troop this year. I think knowing what to expect this time around has helped. She also loves doing origami, and anything crafty. She even joined the art club at school. She has grown so much in her Bible knowledge. Softball has been fun for her too, although she still gets nervous during games. She's clever, thoughtful, kind, fights for justice, and cautious. And of course she's beautiful inside and out!