Birthday Girl!

The happy girl is now 8 years old!

When she went to bed for the last time as a 7-year-old, she gave us instructions on how to lay out her gifts, and was pleased Friday morning that we followed through.

Stace met us at school to give Violet a birthday morning kiss, and off she went to class, wearing her birthday shirt.

Since it was a half-day, Violet, Cora and I went out for a birthday lunch at Lazy Dog. She chose it because she likes making her own pizza here.

This is her "Do I have to take a photo, Mom?" smile.

When Stace got home from work, we went to the Wildlife Learning Center together, with Grandma.

This was Stacey's first time to the small zoo-of-sorts, though Violet loves it and has been numerous times with my parents. It's close, easily navigable, and inexpensive - a perfect place to spent a couple of hours.

The employee brought out a snake to touch, and since it was Violet's birthday, brought out another for her to hold.

We were there at feeding time - perfect! The animals were all out and active, either eating or waiting to be fed. These bald eagles were enjoying their rats.

There wer several interesting smaller wild cats, including a lynx, a bobcat and a couple of servals.

The monkeys were cute, climbing all over and vocalizing.

Stace loved his experience at the WLC, and had a great time chatting at length with the owner/zoologist, who happens to also live in SClarita.

After a birthday dinner at MOD Pizza, we went back home for cake with Grandma and Grandpa and gifts. Because Violet's birthday "party" is a camping trip next weekend with Liana and Lucas, Cora's gift to her sister was a s'mores kit.

And because Vi has formed an after-school art club with some of her friends, our gift was an art kit.

We also gave her this adorable Peanuts backpack, which will be great for hiking and little trips.

Happy Birthday, sweet Violet. We love you and we're so happy you're ours!