Fiona is TEN - Part three - the PARTY

The thought process that proceeded the party was long and intense, it was an emotional roller coaster long before party day. Fiona wasn't sure if she wanted a party, she wasn't sure when to do it, and she really wrestled with who to invite. Eventually she decided, June 17th, Nature Party, and seven friends. 

Next up planning the party. She wanted a scavenger hunt. She didn't want to plan the scavenger hunt because she wanted to experience the scavenger hunt. I thought I knew what would be good... The phrase "it's my party and I can cry if I want to" was my unofficial theme for the day. 

I'm not sure how Fiona will remember this day. I hope she'll have some good memories. I need to help my girl navigate tough emotional situations, but I'm just not sure how. 

It was a beautiful day. Fiona did laugh. She did enjoy spending time with her friends. Fiona has some lovely friends. Ken made an epic cake. Those are good things. I hope that when Fiona's looks back on her 10th birthday party she'll remember all the positives. 

I look at these pictures and I think we live in a beautiful place. I think my kids have some nice friends. I think we are able to provide materially for our children and that is a great comfort to me. I also think that parties can be so hard and so overwhelming and lead to lots of really big feelings, and learning to navigate those big feelings and still take in the beautiful things happening around us, well, that's a process that takes time.

Fiona, I hope that you will look back on this day and remember the happy parts of it, and be proud of where you are now and I hope you will be loving and generous to who you were. You are so loved!

Fiona is TEN - part two

The family dinner out! After much long, careful and slightly drawn out thinking, Fiona chose Boston Pizza for her family dinner out. Sweet girl wanted to choose Boston Pizza from the get go but didn't want to make a choice that would negatively impact me. She thought there was nothing for me to eat at Boston Pizza - happily it turns out that she wasn't right about that at all!

We had a relaxing, yummy dinner. Everyone enjoyed their food, and we all enjoyed chatting. After we got home it was time to sing Happy Birthday to Fiona and dig into the crave donuts. Crave donuts is a gourmet donut place in Whitby. Ken has gone there a few times, and every time the donuts are thoroughly enjoyed!

On Tuesday I asked everyone how they would describe TEN YEARS of Fiona, this is what they said:
Kate - Unpredictable. Alice - It's very jumpy. Ken - Non-stop excitement! Wendy - Joy!

Next - a family outing to the Science Centre on Saturday!

Fiona is TEN - part one

Today is the actual BIRTH-day. I feel like Fiona's birthday celebrations are going to be lasting for a LONG time!

Yesterday Fiona came on the dog walk and we took so last pictures of Fiona as a nine year old.

These were the bedtime pics! Goodnight nine year old!

The birthday presents!! Two Jelly Cat bunnies from Mom and Dad, two Jelly Cat bunnies from Kate and Alice, a fitbit, a twix bar, a fairy pen, cards, and a card and $50 from Grandma.

In the morning, Fiona reading her cards.

For dinner tonight Fiona wanted ribs, spaghetti and vegetables. She went to gymnastics, and we picked her up and got DQ blizzards. The girls are now going to watch a show with their Dad and I'm finally going to start working on report cards! 

Happy Birthday my funny, fun, sweet, caring, brave, feisty, spontaneous, creative Fiona! We love you so much and couldn't imagine our family without you in it!

The Birthday Questions - Fiona - Age 10

 1. What is your favourite color? Pink & Purple

2. What is your favourite toy? Our Generation Dolls - all my doll!

3. What is your favourite fruit? Mango

4. What is your favourite tv show? Bluey

5. What is your favourite thing to eat for lunch? Pasta

6. What is your favourite outfit? "the good one" (I create new outfits al the time, so I don't really have a favourite.)

7. What is your favourite game? Roblox/playing with toys

8. What is your favourite snack? Ritz Bitz Cheesy Crackers

9. What is your favourite animal? Bunnies

10. What is your favourite song? Stick Together

11. What is your favourite book? Dork Diaries

12. Who is your best friend? Hazel, Andrea, Aubrey, Ryleigh

13. What is your favourite cereal? Rice Krispies

14. What is your favourite thing to do outside? Do stuff with my siblings & Jump on the trampoline

15. What is your favourite drink? Strawberry Lemonade

16. What is your favourite holiday? Easter & Christmas

17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night? One of my Jelly Cat bunnies

18. What is your favourite thing to eat for breakfast? Smoothie

19. What do you want for dinner on your birthday? Ribs, spaghetti and vegetables

20. What do you want to be when you grow up? Architect