Nicole's 7th Birthday!

HAS IT REALLY BEEN SEVEN YEARS?!?

What a special day this was for Nicole! She has been counting down and planning since her last birthday. The excitement has increased in the last few weeks so we were shocked to find her sleeping this morning! I didn't get pictures because we were in a hurry as she had to be to school early (for a musical practice). But we woke her with toast cut into the shape of the #7 with a candle and sang Happy Birthday to her. We also brought Chinese food to her at school and had lunch in the cafeteria with her.

Then she went back to class and the rest of us went shopping for a bike!

Nicole had been asking for a new bike since before Christmas. While we were in California for the holidays Nicole tried out a few bikes when we were shopping with my mom. Well, my parents recently picked one out and sent the money for it. Britt and I took Nicole to Wal Mart a couple of weeks ago and just "happened" to walk by the bikes. Nicole ended up picking out the same bike my dad had found! Allyson decided to help break it in on the way to the register.

While this was going on, Nicole had balloons delivered to school from her Aunt Dusty and Aunt Angela! There was also a Target card! 

The day Nicole picked out her bike she also picked out a new helmet. Papa and Nana provided it for her... along with some new pads, gloves and a bell for her bike.

Here she is finding her surprise. We had decorated the door of her room with a Chinese dragon. (She wants a  Chinese-themed birthday.) We were whispering because Allyson was napping in the next room.

Later she had homework to do and I noticed she wrote her name as "Nicole Happy Birthday." 

So far, it has been!! She had play practice (she's going to be in Charlotte's Web at the city theater) and everyone sang Happy Birthday to her (we're talking 40-50 kids).  Nicole shared cookies with the kids and then with practically anyone in her path, wanting everyone to know it was her birthday. It was pretty cute. Especially with hardly any front teeth! :) 

Tomorrow night is her slumber party with two little friends and Saturday she gets a birthday party!

I also gave Nicole a card today. I wanted to explain that what we are really celebrating today is much more than her age. This is what it said:

Happy Birthday Nicole!

I can't believe you are seven years old! The day you were born was one of the happiest days of my life. Did you know birthdays are not just about celebrating being a year older? They are also about celebrating who that person is. Nicole, I am so proud of who you are. The best daughter, sister, and friend. You have a beautiful heart and I love you so much!

Love, Mommy (and Daddy)