7 years old!!!

Our Rachel turned 7 today! And it was quite a busy day. It didn't turn out perfectly, but overall I think the birthday girl was pleased. And she's pretty easy to please... Rachel woke up to streamers hanging from her doorway. She then went into the kitchen and discovered her chair at the table decorated with balloons. Since everyone was up a bit earlier that morning, I made pancakes. Rachel thought it was pretty cool to blow out a candle on her pancake:

Before school Rachel opened up her present from Papa and Grandma Michaelson:

 Rachel was excited to wear her new dress to school:

 

I went to Rachel's classroom that morning due to a Mother's Day Program. Here's the birthday girl wearing her crown and "Birthday Princess" sash. Her teachers were very kind to let her wear her sash all day.

Uncle Nate, Audrey, Ian, and I had lunch with Rachel at school as well. Rachel requested her favorite, Chick fil-A.

Rachel took pink frosted cookies to school to share with her classmates. She received birthday cards from everyone in her class. After school she came home and got serious about decorating her cake:

Rachel had her gymnastics class that afternoon, which she was super-thrilled about having gymnastics on her birthday. Once we got home from gymnastics we discovered Andy had come down with the stomach bug that had been going around the family members. So, those that could join us, joined us to celebrate her birthday that evening. Chase, Aunt Amy, Uncle Ken, Liam, Uncle Nate, and most of our family were there. (I think Andy emerged when we sang "Happy Birthday".) Aunt Natalie and Uncle Craig were back at their house sick.... But that didn't stop us from having fun! 

Uncle Nate took over and barbecued the chicken for us (Rachel's birthday dinner request). Rachel had fun playing with her cousins and sister outside while Uncle Nate barbecued:

 

Rachel was so spoiled by so many people. She was so excited to open each and every one of her gifts and cards:

 

To end her day we had cake and ice cream and sang to Rachel:

Rachel never did have a piece of her cake. By the time we were having cake she was tired and just wanted to go to bed. That made me nervous... Luckily she never got sick, but I think her tummy was a little bit upset the rest of the evening.

It's hard to believe that this beautiful girl is 7 years old. She has brought us so much joy and happiness to us. We are so grateful to have her at the head of our family. Rachel takes seriously being the head of our family. She's a good protector and a good example. Rachel loves gymnastics, swimming, reading to her younger siblings, riding her bike, having friends over, playing games, and playing on the computer. When she gets home from school she just wants to play. On the weekends, if given the opportunity she'll be a TV bum, but overall she wants to play. Rachel wants to please and can also be pretty hard on herself. She wants to do well and sometimes even the kindest, slightest correction can upset her.  She still wants to be a dentist when she grows up. Although, she also wants to be a gymnast. We've told her she can do cartwheels and routines for her patients when they don't have any cavities! :)

WE LOVE OUR RACHEL!!!