Mine is Nine!

 It was another birthday at our house.  It all started with a cake....

 and homemade ice cream...

 All so this little (gigantic) miss could turn 9!

 Saturday we had an "ice cream buffet".  She wanted homemade ice cream with lots of toppings and a cake so I suggested (eh, decided) we do ice cream on Saturday and the cake on Sunday.  It worked out great and was a very tasty way to spend our weekend.

 She helped me chop up the candy and was first in line when we dished up the ice cream.

 Brooklyn went for sprinkles, m&m's, and peanut butter cups.  Yum!

 Also on Saturday we took our little family (Erica included) skating for the first time.  Everyone did a really great job.  I was super proud of Mason and Julianne but very annoyed that at the VERY end, I noticed their skates weren't really rolling!  They couldn't even roll!  Next time, I'm totally checking for that!  I can't wait to go again!  Brooklyn was really getting the hang of it, but was ready to leave because she'd fallen so much.

 Sunday brought present opening (besides the roller blades that we let her open to go skating with)....

 Mason loves presents...

 We got her some pads for her blades so she can skate outside.  Don't they look awesome with her Sunday clothes??

 As soon as we got home, she had to try them out.  She's still a little wobbly but getting the hang of it...

 Finally, after lunch, we did her birthday cake.  She just wanted a chocolate cake with chocolate frosting so I suggested (eh, decided) we do an Oreo cake.  She didn't object.  Her only request?  A "9" candle.  I can handle that...

 Lunch was Carbonara.  No objections from anyone on that note....

 Seems like she was enjoying all the attention, eh?

 Well, maybe not all the attention! :)

 And here we are.  How the heck are we parents of a nine-year-old?

MMMHMMMM! It was that good!  We had a great weekend (company included) and I'm truly grateful that Brooklyn is ours.  She is super smart, very kind-hearted, and immensely helpful.  She loves to draw, read, and play games.  She looks just like I did at her age and I remember doing things she does. (That is a little creepy, I must admit).  Happy Birthday, my baby girl! We wouldn't be the same little family without you!