Katie turns 9

Another birthday, and the traditional breakfast in bed. 

This girl was so excited, she was dressed and ready for her moment as princess. :) 

So grown up. Sigh...

Placed in his excersaucer to watch the excitement. 

Getting her own copy of Anne of Green Gables from Auntie Anne-Marie!

We recently switched to opening birthday presents in the morning as opposed to the evening... my family always did the evening - so we anticipated the evening all day - and then had to wait the next day to play... and James did the morning, so they actually played with the new toy/item that day. So, we're trying the morning - at least for family gifts. And the nice thing is there is better lighting, so I don't have to use the flash. 

Decorating the cake - all the kids watching it happen. (Katie was playing with a friend downstairs) 

Then a few more friends joined - so we have Kayla, Avia and Hannah that came to celebrate. 

Painting time.

I love the color here. So summery. 

Afterwards, they had a water fight - joined by Erik and a friend - Josh - and the little girls. 

Matching swimsuits. (Katie had two so she lent it so they could match) 

Then they made a mud hole to splash into. :) They all got a good hose down after. 

Spaghetti supper. The girls at one table. 

And the guys on the island. 

Katie's birthday cake. She was given a bunny for her birthday a few weeks earlier - so I did this playmobile bunny theme for her cake. :)

And the girls. 

The next day - with her birthday gifts and cards! 

Love this girl we've been given. Watching her grow up and especially when she wants to, bake, clean or look after the kids - all this taking on responsibility is so neat.