In keeping with our tradition, Annabel woke up on her birthday to a floor full of balloons:
Next, she opened a few small presents in bed…
…because her big present was going to lunch at the American Girl Store:
(with her American Girl, too, of course.)
Annabel and I met Mike and his parents at the store, where they have a full-service restaurant. Annabel and her doll, Violet, received first-class birthday treatment:
Annabel’s favorite thing is when a restaurant sings to her, and the AG restaurant didn’t disappoint.
After lunch, the birthday girl spent some money at the store:
For dinner, my parents, aunt, James, and I took Annabel out to her favorite local restaurant, where she had more pizza and more candles:
And then, because she hadn’t had enough candles and sugar, Mike met us back at home with an ice cream cake:
When we tucked her into bed that night, she said, “I love my birthday so much, I don’t want it to be over!” The good news for her was that while her actual birthday was over, we still had a lot of celebrating planned over the next couple days…some she knew about, and some she didn’t.
I love my kids’ birthdays. I love celebrating their lives and making them feel extra-special. As they get older, their birthdays get more fun for all of us. At the end of Annabel’s birthday, my cheeks hurt from all of the smiling. I love that girl so much!
Jerilynn says:
Looks like Annie had a wonderful birthday! Thanks for sharing the beautiful pictures. Can I also add how very jealous I am to see you both strolling in summer clothes in January, with the sun shining? We are anticipating a blizzard tonight through Wednesday, the likes of which have never been seen. Ugh.
Jerilynn says:
*has never been seen–sorry! Grammar police!
RzDrms says:
I’m the Grammar Police, and I didn’t even notice that! It’s really not “have”?! I’m so disappointed in myself.
Jerilynn says:
You’re probably right and I was probably wrong about being wrong! I blame middle age!!
Tracey says:
My daughter has that same giraffe and he wears Kiki’s Disney ears as well. I had to do a double take when I saw your picture!!
AngieM says:
what the heck?!?! lunch AT the AG store!?!? how awesome! Looks like Annie had a fabulous birthday.
Anna says:
You are such a good mama. Birthday week is the best! My mother also made a big deal out of birthdays (still does!), and I still love celebrating mine at age 40.
Jordan says:
So awesome. Can’t wait to hear about all the fun birthday activities! She’s such a darling girl.
Glenda says:
Looks like an awesome day! Can’t wait to see her party pictures! The picture of Annie is bed opening her small gifts = PRICELESS!!!! LOVE~!
Wendy says:
looks like Annie a great day. I rather like the giraffe.
Kakali says:
Heather, where did you get those giraffes? My daughter got crazy as soon she saw those! Do they have special names? What do they do? Loved all the celebrations! Annie is a lucky girl!
Heather says:
The giraffe was a gift! But the tag on it says Melissa and Doug. It doesn’t do anything but stand there and scare me in the middle of the night (I always think it’s a person in the corner of her room, LOL).
Jeanie says:
What a fun time for Annie! I am mortified when restaurant staff sings happy birthday to me. Hate it!
Nicole says:
Hi Heather, this is a bit random, but I noticed in one of the photos that you are wearing Tieks! Can you give any feedback about them? I have been admiring them for over a year now but just am not sure about spending the money if they aren’t comfortable and really well made. What do you think, good investment?
Heather says:
I think they are a good investment! The pair I’m wearing I bought…hmm, maybe four years ago? I wear them ALL THE TIME and they are still going strong! I’ve worn them on major walking days, like at Disneyland where you literally walk miles and miles, with no foot pain whatsoever. I suggest signing up on the Tieks website and then waiting for a coupon code – that’s how I bought mine.
Patti B. says:
Happy birthday Annie! A fun weekend side note, on Sunday I was at my local Target (in OHIO) and saw a box of diapers with James on it! I was kind of fan-girl-ing over your little guy – haha