our belle turns 7!

 our beautiful monkey turned 7 today!

as every mother says...

i can't believe how fast these seven years have gone.

she brings a lot of light into our family.

we love this girl!

 ella received an early birthday gift.

we gave her clues to help her figure out what the gift was.

1.  we're going to a place by target.

2.  it's a noisy place.

3.  they have food and toys there, but NOT the kind you would like.

4.  this place is a little bit smelly.

5.  mom isn't crying, it's just her allergies.

6.  no matter what you name it, dad will still call it a rat.

 ella's eyes got very big while reading the last clue!

we have been pet-sitting for our friends. 

ryan's been calling the pet a "rat".

 so she knew when she read the clue that she would be getting a...

HAMSTER!

 ella and hugo the hamster. 

i keep suggesting we call him tiny h, but no one likes that idea.

"he's not a rapper, mom!"

 marmee and gg added to ella's collection of country critters.

she had a hard time pulling herself away from them this morning before church.

 she also received some clothes, pink boots, a coloring book, a wii game, a gymnastics poster, eraser, bookmark, and earrings.

ella chose red robin for lunch out yesterday.

pancakes for breakfast

kraft macaroni and cheese for lunch

homemade macaroni and cheese for dinner with cucumbers and broccoli on the side.

and a chocolate cake with chocolate frosting.

she was even serenaded with happy birthday played on the violin by aftie!

tomorrow brings chocolate and vanilla cupcakes for her class at school.

this weekend brings a glamour pajama party.

happy birthday sweet lady!