Seven

Etta turned seven last week.

When did that happen?

It does not seem like it was seven years ago when she entered our lives. Then again, it seems like she has always been with us.

She is her own girl. That is for absolute sure. There are some ways that she is exactly like her father (some good and some bad), and some ways that she is exactly like me (some good and some bad). But she is definitely ALL Etta.

She loves to be outside. Running, playing basketball, riding bikes, skateboarding, playing pretend, digging in the dirt, getting wet. She would be outside all the time if we let her I think.

Except.

Legos.

She got quite a few Lego Ninjago sets for her birthday. Now we can hardly get her out of her room! It is so amazing to watch this little person, who less than three years ago I had to help put puzzles together, put together these Lego sets. With no help from me. Her interest in reading has also been sparked by Lego books. Hey, anything that will get her reading is good with me!

Etta is an amazing big sister. Although she has told me repeatedly that "4 kids is really hard". When we talked through it I realized she meant being a big sister of three siblings is hard. She is quite introverted and after a long day at school around people she often needs her own space and quiet time when she gets home. Which is hard for extroverted Mae, who after a long day with me and two boys that don't do much, just wants to play, play, play with her big sister.

Just over the last few weeks Etta has really bloomed and grown in her maturity. Many, many tasks that I used to have to do for her all the time she can now do herself. It gives me hope for the future.

And while she and I often clash, we always seem to come back around.

Love you Etta-girl!

Taco party/giant playdate that she and I planned together.
The kids got to eat at a table all by themselves. They even
included Mae and Russell. Love it!

I think she is getting ready to claw through her presents.

CHEESE!

Showing off the loot.

Enjoying Choco-Tacos that I made myself. No candles, but what can you do?

Group shot. These are Etta's three very best school friends.
[And if you look closely you can see a tiny photo bomber
who was not allowed outside.]

I see you Russell!
[Another photo bomber in the background. House host Grandma Cathy.]

Birthday morning waiting for Etta to wake up.
The bouquet was for Etta's birthday twin, Kate Cannon, a first
grade teacher at McGhee.

Getting ready to dig into her gifts from Aunt Molly, Grandma Cynthia and Aunt Marj.

It was her first birthday where we let her invite her own guests, pick her own dinner and really, over all, just celebrate her completely with out trying to turn the day into something for us.

I love this girl!