Adeliza had many of her favorites today: pinwheels and salami and cream cheese rolls for lunch, ice cream sandwiches at school, and flowers and macaroons at home after school.

Next she opened a birthday card from Aunt Debbie and Uncle Sonney. Money and a card is super fun, especially when saving for something special. ?

Mary’s Pizza Shack for dinner was her choice as the salad with ranch dressing is her favorite. An exciting bonus was the coloring contest going on. They have loved those since Avalina won once some years ago at the Cloverdale Mary’s. Adi was rather surprised when the staff came with a bowl of ice cream, whip cream, and chocolate sauce and sang Happy Birthday to her.

One of my favorite parts of the time at Mary’s was when Adeliza decided she didn’t want any more ice cream and wanted to take one last bite of ranch with her spoon. A couple minutes later, I look over at Azri, who had been finishing her ice cream, and he looked like he was choking. He was reaching into his mouth and wiping it with his napkin. I immediately asked if he was choking and he shook his head “no,” so I tried to figure out what was wrong. He then pointed to my little cup of blue cheese dressing. Apparently he had thought he’d take a scoop of ranch after the ice cream too, but got chunky blue cheese instead. I guess he doesn’t like blue cheese dressing. ?

When we got home, Adeliza got a few more presents – she got WAY more than usual this year. Plus, every time I’d turn around Azri or Ava was bringing another gift from my room for her from my stash of gifts I have around. It was a bit crazy.

She talked on the phone with Nana and Papa Graham and Auntie Tiff, had another macaroon, and finished the night playing with the cling/sticker room decorating pad from Avalina.

I always love celebrating my kids, they are such a blessing! And how did 9 years go so fast!