Happy 11th Birthday, Victoria!

Victoria blows out the magical candles before digging into chocolate cake!

Last week, our eldest turned 11. It seems hard to believe we have an 11 year-old! We reminisced with Victoria about the day that she was born...what we did, how it happened, how the doctor almost dropped her, how we were surrounded that entire day by friends and family. It was a great day! It rocked our world from that day on! We have declared this year to be a non-party year for birthdays, and with much complaining and agonizing, Victoria managed to have a great day. She got to invite two friends to lunch and then over to the house for cake and relaxing. As the birthday girl, she got to choose where we would eat. The girl picked the all-you-can eat Brazilian churasqueria!!! That girl has her father's taste. It was a delightful lunch with two of her friends from school, and it worked out well, since they still charged them children's prices (wheuuu...) At home, Victoria followed a scavenger hunt to find her gifts, which included a makeover for her bed. She seemed delighted and is enjoying her own, new space; although it is in high demand with her sisters.

We thank God for Victoria every time we look at her. She is so beautiful inside and out. She has a tender heart for others including her sisters. We marvel at what God is doing in her. Some days, we even get sneak peaks at the mood swings to come, and wonder how we'll manage, but for today, we don't need to worry about that. She's still our little girl, sort of.

An early morning hug before school

Victoria loves on Sofia since she got to open her gift before heading to school

The birthday entourage: Isabella, Victoria, Jack the dog, Monica, Dania and Olivia

Discovering the birthday loot -- a Nintendo

Victoria's new bed

This now hangs on her wall. I made it for her, and it has the I Peter 3:4. Okay, so I'm no artist, but it was fun to do and a bit of inspiration for Victoria.

Isabella insisted on helping with the dishes...hhmm...She's too cute