It's Great to be Eight!

See this girl right here? How in the world is she eight years old? Our lives have never been this same since Makayla came into our lives and we just love spoiling her on her special day. 

 Makayla wanted a swimming party this year, so that's what we did! She invited some friends from school, dance, and the neighborhood. Plus Caden and Brynnli got to join the fun too.

 Let me tell you, swimming is not a good birthday activity for a parent to is paranoid. I spent the entire 2 hours trying to count 13 heads and make sure everyone was ok. We even had Terry and Craig there to help me and Tyler keep track of all the kids, and we were all exhausted by the end!

 After swimming the girls all had a big appetite for pizza.

 Makayla opened her presents from all her friends.

 Then she got to blow out the candle on her donut.

 It was a great friend party and I think Makayla had a blast!

For Makayla's actual birthday, she got to open a present (a new outfit) before she went to school.

 Since her birthday was on a Monday this year Makayla got to go to school where she gave her classmates treats and they gave her birthday cards. Then right after school she had to go to tumbling, so finally after her busy day we finally went to dinner that night to celebrate.

When we got home Makayla finally got to open her presents from us. She is really into arts and crafts, so she got a lot of those, plus some accessories for her American Girl doll, and an alarm clock. We ended the night by asking her the traditional birthday questions:

1. What is your favorite color? "Purple, pink, and blue"

2. What is your favorite toy? "It's probably my American Girl Doll and her bunny" 

3. What is your favorite food? "Tacos... everyone knows that"

4. What is your favorite show? "Like baking shows"

5. What do you like to eat for lunch? "Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwiches"

6. What is your favorite thing to wear? "I like to wear pretty stuff"

7. What is your favorite game? "Clue... the big kid one"

8. What is your favorite song? "Kiki Do You Love Me... are you riding"

9. What is your favorite book? "Whatever After All. Fairest of All"

10. Who is your best friend? "Haylie"

11. Where is your favorite place to go? "School"

12. What do you want to be when you grow up? "A teacher"

13. What is your favorite thing about Caden? "He is always willing to help me and he's always looking out for me"

14. What is your favorite thing about Brynnli?  "That she always wants to play with me"

15. What is your favorite thing to do with Daddy? "Hug him and snuggle"

16. What is your favorite thing to do with Mommy? "Have M and M days with you, like go to Subway"

Oh Makayla. I don't even know where to begin. You are turning into the most beautiful girl on the outside, and more importantly on the inside. You are so thoughtful and caring to your brother and sister, and I know they both look up to you so much. I love how helpful you are to me. You are always looking for ways you can help me with cooking or cleaning up. You are becoming so responsible, too. We never have to remind you to make your bed or do your homework. You are so smart at school and we are so impressed with how your mind is growing and learning everyday. You are so talented and we love watching you dance and excel at tumbling. You always try to do what is right and we are so proud of your decision to be baptized. You are so funny and we especially love that we can joke with you and be silly. We love you so much! Thank you for being you!