Cora's birthday

The last year or so, Cora hasn't wanted us to read her a bedtime story anymore. She loves reading, but would rather spend 10-20 minutes quietly absorbed in her book, alone, before we come in to say goodnight.

But on the eve of her eighth birthday, Stacey's insisted upon reading to both his girls. Cora-the-seven-year-old (for another few hours) obliged.

On Monday morning, she was suddenly eight. Eight! Closer to 10 than five. A big kid in every way.

She enjoyed Lucky Charms for her birthday breakfast, along with the necessary banners, a birthday balloon, cards and gifts.

Violet was very excited for her beloved big sister to open her own card, which she picked out herself. Not a "sister" card. Nope. It had to say "8" on it.

Stace went into work late, so he could be home for the birthday breakfast and our walk to school.

In the afternoon, after getting her homework finished and reading some of her new Imagination Station books, we went out to dinner at Stone Fire. Cora's really growing up now - she chose a place based on the quality of its food, rather than whether it had a children's play area.

Although, obviously, she's not a grownup yet - you can see which furry friends accompanied us to dinner!

Then, we went to the mall for Menchie's, for a birthday dessert. Yep, no cake this year! Brownie bites at the Ice Station, and frozen yogurt on her actual birthday. Cora's not a cake-lover, anyway.

Happy Birthday, Rosie. We're so glad you're ours.