{eleven} let the celebrating begin

we have much to catch up on.  for now, it will have to wait.  my baby.  my firstborn.  my joy.

my heart.

is turning eleven.

eleven.

*sigh*



she decided to celebrate with friends.  a little early.  because when you can milk a week's worth of celebrations... why not, right?  ;)

we all just... click.  time goes by quickly when we're together.  so we were all excited to indulge nator's request.

the festivities began with lunch at one of her favorite restaurants.
 


then our friends followed us home for a day of laughs, conversation, trampoline jumpin', water sprinklin', moon-sand makin', mini-pool, goggle-wearin', bubble wand, candle blowin', brownies, strawberries, double chocolate -cheesecake factory- birthday fun.



good times.



then daddy made his 'famous grilled chicken' and steak.  oh my.  his best yet.



and, yes, i had to show you the cheesecake again.  you, too, can find one at your local super-tarjet.  you're welcome.  nator has already made plans to have the 'original' cheesecake flavor for her birthday next year.  we're all looking forward to it.

gotta get my girl's birthday gift and balloons set up before she wakes.  she's getting ruthie {american girl}.  shhhhhhhh...  dad picked it up for her while in dallas.  he brought along his boss and co-worker.  *giggle*  if only i had a picture of that.

we gals will be painting the town purple today.  nator's favorite color, of course.  she has plans to browse books and legos, while filling her day with play, cuddles, and movies.

there's more on this girl to come.  

{thanks to my friend, and fellow fotographer, for sharing some of his pix.  we love and appreciate you guys!!}