Gwen turns 7!

Our Miss Gwennie turned 7 this year. She was so excited that her birthday was on a Thursday this year. That meant that we had homeschool group, and a little science "camp" thing she and Miles are doing. She woke up and had her #7 pancake, got dressed in a new outfit, and got all the special day-to-day privileges, like choosing the learning show, not having to take care of the animals, etc. We had a wonderful homeschool group day, and then utilized some of out free in-and-out coupons from the library. Lucky for us the Beckstroms decided to join us, making it a party! Later that night, we took the kids out for sodas and for Gwen to pick out a new bike. She was using Miles's old "boy" one. It was small and she was outgrowing it, and then she left it behind Dad's truck, and he ran over it, thus sealing it's fate.


She knew that she wouldn't be getting a friend party when she turned 8, so she begged for a friend party this year. Even though I think I'm reaching a new limit of 1 kid-friend-birthday-party per year, and we just had a birthday party for Miles in January, I eventually relented. However, she couldn't decide on what theme or activity we should do, so we ended up planning this little shin-dig quite last minute. (Seems to be my style these days) She chose a dancing party, and I think we pulled it off. Richie and I (mostly Richie actually) made all the girls their own tu-tus, and now our house is covered in glitter....still! As guests arrived, they played just dance. One of Gwen's dance teachers came (Miss Lilly) and showed the girls how pointe shoes worked, led them through moves, answered questions. It was quite cute. Then we had dinner. I asked Gwen, "What should we serve? What do you think ballerinas eat?" She ended up choosing fruit with a yummy dip, veggies, and chicken salad sandwiches on croissants. For dessert we had pink cake and pink ice cream of course! After she was spoiled rotten with presents, they watched "Leap", a show on Netflix about an orphan ballerina, while Gwen used her new hair chalk on every girl there. And last but not least, right as the party was starting, Miles asked if we were going to play "pin the tutu on the ballerina"? I told him I wasn't planning on it, and didn't have time to go make one, so he ran to his room, taped a bunch of papers together, drew a ballerina, and made paper tutus for all the people there. I think he felt very proud of his efforts. :)



We waited to celebrate with the rest of the Garner fam until Easter weekend, when we could also celebrate Amanda! So her birthday was really spread out this year, which I think she loved. She got clothes, a flower press, and a face painting kit. She always wants to get her face painted when such a service is available at fairs etc. I have never shelled out the money for it, and even when she says she'll pay for it, I haven't been able to allow it. $10-$15 for face paint that just washes off that night??? C'mon! So, she was thrilled to have her own kit.


Happy Birthday to our 7 year old, who just lost her 3rd tooth tonight, and is seeming so old these days. You've always been very mature, always, but it seems more obvious these days. I love watching you dance around the house, I love hearing your very genuine and infectious laugh, and how you mother Benson. You have limitless potential Gwen! It's such an honor to be able to get a front row seat, watching it all unfold.