Happy Birthday Dear Alyssa

The celebrations began last Saturday with Alyssa's birthday party. She invited her friends to join her at her gym for all sorts of gymnastics fun. They spent an hour in the gym and then enjoyed lots of yummy treats.

Alyssa felt strongly about including Natalie in her party. Natalie spends lots of time watching Alyssa train at the gym so she was beyond excited about the opportunity to get out there herself.


At the end of their gym time, Alyssa proudly performed her floor routine for all of her guests. They later gabbed wildly as they snacked. Alyssa was so full of excitement, her joy overcoming her normally calm temperment, she became a hyper maniac. It was fun to see her enjoying herself so thoroughly.

After all the food, we presented each girl with a "medal" and they all did the gymnast salute. So cute!
Alyssa got so many fabulous gifts. She was thrilled with every bit of it. She has been particulary taken with her Webkinz dog. I think she played with/used every single gift within an hour of being home. She loved it all!
Grandma gave Alyssa an adorable new dress. She wore it to church the very next day and she looked so cute in it. As I fixed her hair Sunday morning, she asked, "Mom, do you think I'm looking like a seven year-old?" As much as I want her to stay little, she just wants to grow up. Alyssa woke earlier than normal this morning. She couldn't wait to get her birthday underway. She got completely ready, including her coat on and then requested muffins for breakfast. We put a candle in hers and sang to her. Natalie blew the candle before she could so we had to do a quick re-light.
At lunch time we visited Alyssa at school, took her a balloon and delivered the M&M cookies she had requested for her classmates' treats.

She took some yummy mini cupcakes to gymnastics for yet another celebration.
Alyssa requested penne with alfredo sauce for her birthday dinner. She delighted in her favorite meal and then we lit the candle and sang one last time. She opened a few more gifts and then it was time for bed.
Our fireplace mantle has somehow become a reference point for height measurement. Alyssa has been waiting for years to be as tall as the mantle. With a slight raise on the toes, she comes pretty darn close. She feels grown up. She's still my little girl and always will be. She does have some pretty amazing biceps, however.
My dear Alyssa has been a pure joy (don't get me wrong, she does have her moments) from the day she was born. We adore her and are so grateful for the sweet, smart, beautiful, talented, easy-to-please girl that she is. Oh how we love Alyssa Rose! Happy Birthday, Baby!