Her actual birthday weekend was spent with our little family plus Issis and her good friend (and our Aunt Bob!), Barbara Green. They rolled in from Mississippi around 5:00ish on the Friday before her birthday. We spent the weekend visiting, taking a day trip to Woolaroc, spending an afternoon at Dave and Buster's (at the birthday girl's request), baking, decorating, and eating birthday cupcakes and opening presents from family. The highlight for all of us was getting to spend time with Issis and Aunt Bob. We love them! Had so much fun.
Monday - the big day - Issis and Aunt Bob headed back to MS. A hurricane was brewing and it was goodbye until next time!! That afternoon, I met Claire at school with cookies for her class. Sometimes I skip this, but this year I brought M&M cookies and spent a little time with her and her classmates. They won't want me to bring "treats" much longer so I enjoy while I can! For dinner, we were able to mark off another event on her list of "must do for my birthday". Dinner at our local Mexican restaurant. She was intent on the sombrero, being sung to, and a birthday dessert...the whole shabang. Embarrassed? Heavens no. Loved every minute of it. And right before dinner, we were surprised by a visit from Bob and Mr. Paul....birthday jammies for Claire! This has become a tradition and it wasn't 10 minutes before they showed up that Claire had said, in a very hopeful voice...."Bob and Paul will probably come by sometime and bring me birthday jammies." Good timing, guys!
Skip forward a few weeks and we find ourselves celebrating with her friends at Diva Girlz. All things girl - this is right up Claire's alley....hair, nails, music, dancing and dressing up. This marks the end of the "big" birthday parties with friends. From now on, I am anticipating just a couple of good friends, a trip to the movies, a sleepover, etc. She went out with a bang, I think.
And, last night, we ended it all with a great dinner and visit with G'ma and G'pa. We can close the chapter on age 7 and look for all that age 8 will bring for Claire. One thing that I am certain will remain is her enthusiasm. Not just for birthdays, but for life in general. Anyone who knows Claire at all, knows her celebratory attitude is not just limited to one time per year. And for that, I am most thankful. We love you Claire bear, Clairita, Clair-ey!
