Ashley is 9

Ashley turned 9 today. Where has the time gone. When Ashley got up this morning she pulled her baby book out. She read it all morning and even on the ride to school.

Ashley ask me if I could come have lunch with her today. How could I pass it up? I love that she hasn't gotten too old to have her mommy around.

After lunch with Ash I had a lot to do to get ready to celebrate Ashley's birthday. I gave Ashely the option of a birthday party or to pick a friend to come to dinner and movie with the family. She hasn't had a birthday party with friends since she was four. I was surprised that she picked dinner and movie but somewhat relieved because a party is a lot of work. Since she was so nice to me and picked the movie idea I wanted to make it extra special for her. Madison and Allison helped me make her this beautiful cake.

I am so glad they have this talent because I definatly don't. Before we left for dinner we set out the presents for Ashley so it will be all ready when we get home.

Ashley picked to go to Cracker Barrel for dinner. She loves their fried shrimp. While at dinner she opened her present from Kinnlie. They were so cute matching up the best friends necklace that she got.

These two have such a sweet friendship. It is going to be hard on both of them to not be at the same school next year. It makes me sad to think about. After dinner Ashley picked to see Cinderella. We were all excited because we all wanted to see it.

It was such a cute movie. I think it might have been the first princess movie that Ashley has ever ask to watch. She told me later she picked it because she knew how much everyone else wanted to see it. What a sweetie to think of others on a day that she had permission to be selfish.

After the movie we came back to the house for some cake and presents. Ashley was surprised when she walked in and saw what we had set out for her.

Before we opened gifts we had her blow out her candles. Madison and Allison went shopping with me and thought it would be fun to get trick candles. Once we lit the candles Ashley knew something was up because they were sparking at her.

I couldn't get a good picture of her with the cake because she was scared of it. After singing to her then it was time to blow out the candles. It took a little longer then normal.

She didn't think her sisters were funny. Ashley had a great birthday and loved all her presents. It was late before we took Kinnlie home and when we got home Ashley still wasn't ready to go to bed.

Baking

Allison ask if she could make Ashley's birthday cake. She had seen something on pinterest that she wanted to try.

She had fun creating this this fun little master piece. I love that she wanted to help me make Ashley's day special.

April Fools

As I was planning out the menu this last time I thought it would be fun to try something fun for the girls.

They knew right away that they weren't cupcakes but it was still fun doing something silly. Besides dinner this year April Fool's was mellow. I was a little surprised that the girls didn't try any pranks. They normally have a few things up their sleeves.

Ashley's glasses

Today we went and picked up Ashley's glasses. She was so excited to have a pair that she picked out.

I think she looks so cute in them.

Basketball Camp

At the beginning of March I entered a contest for a basketball camp. I didn't expect to win because I just don't have that kind of luck. A few days after I entered I was notified that I won. I was excited that Ashely could do a basketball camp over spring break. She loves sports and loves staying busy so it was perfect. Ashley was a little nervous on Monday to go but her nerves quickly left her and she had a great time. She is now asking that I sign her up for a summer camp with Hoop Haven.

She learned a lot of great basketball moves and had fun while doing it.

Basketball Party

I love having people over but our old house wasn't conducive for guests. If one girl had friends over the others felt like they had to leave so they weren't on top of the others. Tonight we hosted an end of the season party for Allison's team. It was fun seeing all the girls around our kitchen island.

The girls had ice cream sundaes and then hung out outside or upstairs. It was nice to be able to host this and not feel like our house was too small to have people over. I look forward to many more teenage parties.

Quilting

In January I started a quilting class with my friends. We are makeing a monthly wall hanging. Today we went and worked on our second quilt. Last month we learned applique and this month we learned paper piecing.

I was a little intimidated but once I got the hang of it everything just moved along easily. I love the way that three kites turned out.

I worked all day and I am happy to report that I was able to finish Marches quilt.

When I finished I still had some time left so I thought I would finish February's.

I can't wait to go and work on April's. Quilting has always intimidated me but it seems a little easier when you have the right teacher.