Kitty turns 11
When this child was born, her older sister called her Kitty for a couple of weeks. Not because she thought Kitty was a great name, but because shortly before S was born, R informed me that she didn't want a baby sister, she wanted a kitty. When she got a sister instead, she wasn't angry--in fact, she loved her sister. But, she called her "kitty," and when people asked her what her sister's name was, she would say "Kitty."

This lasted a couple of weeks, and then R started calling S by her real name.

I can't believe it has been 11 years since our lives were blessed by S joining our family. I remember her birth like it was yesterday: she came into the world, screaming her head off, and didn't quit screaming for an hour.

Now I realize it was probably some vocal exercise, since she started singing before she could even really say words, and hasn't quit since. And those of you who know this child, know that quiet, subdued songs are not her favorite. Case in point: for their last vocal recital, each girl chose her own song. Here are a couple photos of S, belting out "Let's Hear It for the Boy:"

"Maybe he's no Casanova, still his kisses knock me ovah"
(my favorite line)

She brought down the house. Which she loves to do. She loves to make people smile and laugh. She wants everyone to be happy all the time. She does not like sadness or contention. What a wonderful addition to our household--who can't benefit from someone who is consistently happy and looking to cheer people up?

Anyway--we love you Kitty, and are glad you are in our family. Happy (late) Birthday!

Scenes from the birthday party:

This year was a "friends" party. We invited extra friends because it was Labor Day weekend. This way, if some didn't show up, we'd still be able to have a good turnout. I think all but 2 or 3 came. We had 20--20! girls. I guess my line of thinking was a little flawed.

It was a little chaotic for my taste, but everyone had a great time, and party animal S was in HEAVEN! She really could have invited the whole 5th grade and been happy as a clam.

Actually, based on her first list of people to invite, I think she really is friends with everyone in the 5th grade. Daddy made her scratch off the boys from the list as a start. S is friends with a lot of boys, too. She is very put off by the idea that people think you are in love with a boy if you are friends with him. "Mommy, how come we can't just all be friends without other people thinking you are in love with them if the person is a boy?" (Too bad this gets even more complicated as they move toward High School, huh?)

One of the fun things about 11-year old girls, is that they are easily impressed with any sort of creative cake endeavor. They LOVED the flip flop cake.
Crowding around the cake.

I was finally able to worm my way in to the crowd to take a picture
of the birthday girl before she blew out the candles.

This darling girl moved over by us and is in S's class this year! Yay! She is actually S's cousin...well first cousin once removed, but it's all confusing in this family...S's father and I are E's mother's uncle and aunt, yet E's mother is the same age as S's father. Hope that cleared it all up for you. Either way, we LOVE having E around, and let me just tell you, based on the reception the other girls have given her (and according to S), E is a hit, and everyone at school and in the new neighborhood loves her, too.

A party is not complete without a pinata

S made sure everyone was appropriately decorated with leis
Chewy didn't mind because he got to eat all the cake that dropped--which was a lot.