E I G H T

Next up on the birthday calendar is Jane. She was very excited for her birthday this year because in addition to turning 8, this is the year she was baptized.

Jane also started her morning with birthday crepes before heading off to school. She had a great day with friends and spent the evening with family eating nachos, opening presents and enjoying birthday cake. She was thrilled to get a Fitbit and has been very interested in tracking her steps. Jane is a girl that knows what she wants, and so she made sure we knew what was on her birthday list several weeks in advance. :)

The day after her birthday, we invited a few of her friends to celebrate. They painted bags, ate pizza, played games and enjoyed cookies and ice cream. A BIG thank you to my in laws for helping me pull off this party and for helping it to run smoothly that night. I couldn't have done it without them and thankfully everyone had a great time!

This year has been a big one for Jane and it has been so fun to watch her grow. She continues to light up our days with her big smiles and cheerful personality. She is the best big sister and a great friend to all who know her. She loves to make jewelry, draw and create things out of recycled materials to use in whatever game she is playing with her sisters. She has developed a love for reading and will often bring books in the car or curl up on the couch to read. She received the first Harry Potter book for her birthday and is really enjoying the series. 

This birthday has also been a turning point for Jane and she definitely shows signs of growing up. She is no longer willing to carry an umbrella or wear rain boots with butterflies (they are too young for her). She likes her clothes simple and even wore her first all black dress this year (something she would never do in the first 7 years of her life). She's not really into dolls anymore but will occasionally play with friends. She does love to play the piano and started taking lessons at the beginning of September. She still enjoys gymnastics and will take any opportunity she is given to perform on stage. We are hoping to get her into theatre again in the new year because this is definitely something she loves. Jane we sure love you and look forward to watching you soar in the next year! Happy Birthday sweet girl!