Birthday!

Lady A turned 9 today.  We had a great time celebrating her and being able to give her a very special surprise.

Michael and I have been plotting for a couple of months now about Lady A's birthday.  The gift I planned to get her for Christmas, he planned to get for her birthday.  Since they are so close and since the weather has been beautiful, we went ahead with his plan.

The actual purchase was supposed to happen yesterday, but a series of events derailed the plan.  This morning, Michael had plans to meet with a friend of ours and so we decided he would make the purchase on his way home.  While he was gone, I decided it would be great if we could give it to her right away, so I took some note cards and the scavenger hunt was created.  

Michael called to let me know he was heading home and we discussed the plan for when he arrived.  I asked Lady A to help me with sorting laundry in my bedroom.  She didn't know that I was hiding the clues to her gift.

After Michael came in, he gave her the first clue.  She was able to read, or sound out, most of the words.  We had to help her a bit, but once she understood, Lady A was off!

Reading the clues

She eventually made her way out to the driveway where the truck and motorcycle were parked.  

 Lady A searched the motorcycle first.  She thought she was getting a motorcycle ride.  I reminded her what the clue said, so she wandered around the truck for a minute.  Finally, I told her the last part again and instead of going to the back like I expected, she opened the side door.  I tried to get a picture of her face when she saw her gift, but it was a bit difficult.

Think she is excited??

She rode for most of the early afternoon before I took her on a shopping trip.  She found a pretty pink skirt, a headband, and a scarf that she liked.  The shirt she liked didn't fit well so we will be trying another store to see if they have one that fits better.  

After the shopping trip, we finished the cupcakes.  They were made to some demanding specifications. Well, maybe not too demanding, but the day was filled with lots of rainbows.

Rainbow cupcakes with rainbow sprinkles added to the colored batter with rainbow swirled icing on top

I think it was a good day.  I know I enjoyed it quite a bit.  Michael asked Lady A several times if she thought we needed to return the bicycle.  Lady A insisted that she would keep it.  It brought a huge smile to her face and had the rest of us laughing and smiling at the pleasure she took from riding up and down the street.