...and finally...

off to the pit she went.

obviously harder to navigate than it looks.

However, it doesn't stop her from doing it again!

...and, I'm still incredibly thankful for helpers!

He just couldn't stand it and had to test it out himself.

Uh-huh, like I just said...it's harder to navigate than it looks.

Even my husband needed a helper to be free from the foam pit.

The afternoon was wrapping up, but Addie was still going full force.

Despite her energy, she was happy to sit and comply with the taking of a picture.

AND then, her favorite part - the cupcake cake ceremony.

Happy 8th Birthday Bergen!!!!

Continued...

Addie - loved - this part!

Seriously - who wouldn't love this?

With her helpers lending a hand, she was out

and racing to get back in line to do it all over again.

Bergen's Party - Continued...

Addie had so much fun, while working hard to keep her balance!

She was very focused!

She looked up long enough to make sure we were watching her

before she refocused her efforts.

She made it all the way through - with two amazing helpers - and loved every single minute of it!

Left Foot, Right Foot

Feet in the night...

Thanks once again, Dr. Seuss for preventing me from thinking like a rational adult. 

The last two nights have brought about lots of praise for Addie. 

Last night, when it was time to get her dressed for bed, she took an interest in wanting to put on her socks. 

She said, "I do it.", so I sat down with her and verbally prompted her as much as I could although I ended up having to physically help her stretch the socks over all her little toes so she could proceed. 

She was so proud!

Yes. Addie is eight. 

In our world, this is a huge step. 

Once again tonight, Addie wanted to try again. My impromptu pictures only give a blurry glimpse of my Little Monkey's hard work. 

She is learning and while we might go through a period of time where she doesn't try again, she will eventually figure it out. 

I love when she surprises me with new words or actions. 

She makes me proud. 

Room and Board

Who says cats don't pay their own way?

Rudy, once again, saved the day when he agreed to ride with us to take care of a few errands. 

This cat, definitely earns his way.

He may even get an upgraded car carrier soon - just for being awesome. 

The Things I Will Do

When Addie woke up running a fever, my daily routine was turned upside down.

Despite her fever, there was one errand I had to take care of, and it didn't even require getting her out of the car. 

When I told her we had to go to the car, she protested heavily - because she didn't feel good AND because she was cuddled in bed with Rudy. 

In an effort to keep my sanity, I offered to let Rudy ride with us. 

He was a good boy and kept Addie happy and content. 

Later that evening, Julien felt so bad for Addie, that he offered to let her hang out in his room. 

This - is a rare sighting. 

Not that he doesn't always try to take care of her, but his room is sacred and her presence is not always welcome. 

It's the little things that make me happy!

Bergen's 8th Birthday

Addie was so excited about going to Bergen's Birthday Party!

Addie has so much fun at Mountain Brook Gymnastics that I have considered having her a party there as well.

We lucked out and had the same helper as last year and she remembered Addie!

That meant I could actually stand by and watch Addie have fun - I swear I almost cried out of pure relief.

It is so incredibly rare that I get to be a bystander and I am usually so busy helping Addie, that I miss out on seeing her have fun.

This. Was. Wonderful!

She was all about crawling through the tunnel.

Addie moved so slowly through the obstacle course, that I had her step to the side at one point just so the other children could get past.

She was very proud of herself for working so hard.

Bergen was a champ at climbing the rope...

as was Brock!

Addie just enjoyed the opportunity.

more to come...

Enjoying a Day at the Zoo

Right after Addie's Birthday, we set out for a day at the zoo.

My silly girl was all about the birthday hat she had made at Christmas camp, and insisted on wearing it everywhere - despite her dad's wishes.

Addie waited ever so patiently for her turn on the carousel.

When the two children exited the carousel, it was her turn - and there was not another child in sight.

It was Chris's turn to enjoy the carousel and it resulted in some absolutely adorable pictures!

This little face - is precious!

She keeps pulling every tooth that appears to be loose, and has quite the empty spaces in her smile!

Some of my favorite times of the year!

Happy 8th Birthday Cupcake Cake Day!

We had a wonderful day with Addie and it is so sweet to see how excited she gets knowing that we are going to have cake and a party - just for her.

Once again this year, Chris and I took Addie in an attempt to have her pick out her cake.

After sitting and looking for half an hour through two books full of cakes, Addie walked over to the display case and said she wanted "chocolate".

When I pressed further for details on decorations, she finally said, "flowers".

When I asked her what colors, she said, "yellow" and when I asked for another color, she said, "pink".

So, Addie got her chocolate cake with yellow and pink flowers.

Oh my goodness, she was SO READY to dig into the cake!

Addie had helped me set the table earlier in the day, so we had a variety of plates and utensils waiting for her cake.

I love her sweet little face,

so happy!

Pink little cheeks from everyone singing to her

and this year...there was no prompting in order for her to blow out her candles!

Happy 8th Birthday to my sweet Baby Girl!

You are so loved!

~~~

December 31, 2014