Celebrating Carly’s 9th

Carly’s birthday was last Monday, March 4^th.  We knew it would be a busy day with school, piano lessons, homework, dinner, etc… so we decided to do our family outing on the Saturday beforehand.  For months Carly has thought about what she’d like to do and one activity that has always been at the top of the list was the Family Fun Center.  We’ve lived in the Seattle area now for nearly 12 years and have never gone.  In my opinion I consider that as successful as my never have been to a Chucky Cheese with my kids either.  As it turns out though on Friday, the very day before, I got an email for half-off all the activities the Family Fun Center offers.  Yippee-I-O it was off to the Family Fun Center we go!

The big kids (and Justin) started off playing laser tag while I hung out with Katie as she practiced her driving skills.

 

Little did we know Katie would actually get to put her skills to practice and drive her own little car.

 

Technically, kids are supposed to be 3 to drive these little cars, but the employee told us if she was able to do it he would make an exception.  She did great pushing the little green button as she steered around the small track.

Abigail was the only one old enough to drive the go-carts.  She was reluctant at first, but ended up loving it.  She’s such a responsible kid that she was nervous about driving well – she’s so serious.  It took her several laps to finally give us a smile.

 

Jason and Justin also took a go around the track.

As much as Katie enjoyed driving around a little car, the highlight of the afternoon for her was most definitely the Frog Hopper.  She was all smiles bouncing up and down on that thing.  This girl is ready to head back to Disneyland.  She would have a blast.

 

Another highlight for the big kids was watching a short movie in the 6D theater – I worried it might be too crazy for Jason, but he loved it.

We actually had a great time despite the crowds, filth, and mediocre activities at ridiculous prices.  Really, it was fun and I’m sure we’ll go back sometime in the next 12 years.  I don’t understand how I left without any pictures of the birthday girl, but she was there and she had lots of fun.

We redeemed Carly’s free birthday meal at Red Robin on the way home and afterward we each turned in a valentine at Krispy Kreme for a free donut – yum, yum.

 

Carly wanted to take mint brownies into her class on her birthday.  We made two batches the night before and they were oh, so yummy it was hard to give them away.  She had piano lessons on her birthday after school.  She was told last week if she didn’t practice her Hanon her teacher would draw a mustache on Carly with a sharpie as punishment.  Carly actually thought that was pretty cool and turns out she didn’t practice, at least not well enough.  Ms. Kori decided to use some of my leftover frosting instead of a sharpie since it was Carly’s birthday.

 

Carly requested chicken biscuits for dinner and for her birthday cake she requested 2 layers of chocolate cake, a layer of red velvet cake with pink, blue, and purple swirls on top.  I wasn’t the happiest with the results, but Carly thought it was spot on (she even thought I intentionally swapped out the purple for brown because it would look better).

 

After dessert Carly opened the cards from her grandparents and a ball that Abigail picked out and purchased for Carly with her own money.

And with that it was time to get the birthday girl and her siblings to bed. 

Happy Birthday Miss Carly Ann!

And just a few tidbits about Carly:

Carly loves any chance she can get to have one on one time with me or Justin.  During the past year Justin has taken the opportunity to read a few books with Carly at night before bed.  Earlier this year they read Narnia together.  Carly really loved that time alone with her Dad.

While Carly enjoys reading, she has typically gravitated toward shorter books.  Last month Justin and Carly decided they would both read the first Percy Jackson book – separately, but together.  Carly loved it and has already moved on to the third book in the series.

Carly without a doubt pushes Jason’s buttons more than any one in the house.  She knows what how to irk him which can try her parents patience.  On the flip side she can also be the most nurturing kiddo in the household.

This girl still loves crafting and creating.  Unfortunately, I am terrible at giving her these kinds of opportunities, but over the years the girls have gotten many crafty activities that they enjoy working on.

Carly may just be my most willing helper in the house.  These past few months as I’ve been wanting to get the house a little more organized – if anyone is along side helping me out it will be this girl.  One day she went through all the markers and pens in the house and happily tested each one and then moved on to sharpening every pencil.

Carly is eager to learn.  She loves to help me in the kitchen and will often be stirring or mixing while I busy myself with other things.  She even has a meal she can cook completely on her own - Top Ramen.

She loves to take long, hot showers.

Carly loves getting her hair done, even if her two-year old sister is the only one willing.

She has started getting a little particular about clothing – like a little seam will irritate her and she’s developed a preference for short sleeves over long.  Thankfully, it’s not too extreme and hopefully it’s not a sign of things to come.

Carly is awesome about saying her prayers at night.  After we’ve all read scriptures and said family prayers she’ll quietly sneak into the darkened bonus room for her own personal prayers. 

We sure love this girl and the fun, spunky energy she brings into our house.