And She's Eight!

It's hard to believe that it's been over eight years that our lives were blessed and forever changed with the arrival of our sweet Olivia Jane.  We celebrated on Saturday, October 19th, technically the day before.  Although not by much.  I can recall very clearly arriving at the hospital around 7:00 a.m. on the 19th eight years prior to be induced, but she didn't make her debut until after midnight. 

Mia making her pumpkin

The Nazarene Church in Sturgis for many years had hosted a fall family fun day that we have taken full advantage of many times.  They have pumpkins to decorate, crafts to make, a puppet show, great food, inflateables, hay rides, and horse back riding.  It's a terrific time and completely free for anyone.  It always seems to fall on the day we have Olivia's party, and this year was no exception.  The day was already stressful to me since, Mia and I participated in an Out of the Darkness walk in Coldwater that morning in memory of my dear friend Adam Lackey who took his life two years ago.  After the walk I promised Mia we could go to Great Lakes to get a drink to warm up since it was raining and freezing out.  I kept thinking of the food that needed to be made, the house that needed cleaned, and the list went on, but I also remembered I need to take time for my girls and make memories.  So we found one hour in the day to get some fun in at the Nazarene this year.  My coworker and good friend Liz's family had their horses their too.

Olivia riding on Misty

Mia on Trixie or Pixie, we can't recall

Both girls going down the slide together.

Usually, the girls' birthdays consist of just family and the occassional close friends.  I decided to let Olivia invite a few friends this year.  I'm glad I did because almost all the family had prior plans, or if they could make it, it would only be briefly.  Her friends, however, they all made it.

Olivia and Paris sporting their newly accquired facial hair that comes with turning eight.  Paris' birthday is exactly one week before Olivia's.

We managed to sneak Jane over for the event so Mia could have someone to play with as well.  Even though they aren't eight yet, they were given mustaches for the evening too.

Mia sporting her Hitler 'stache

Nana and Papa had church the night of Olivia's party, but they can never stay away so they stopped over early.  Olivia is modeling her new jacket from them above.  Nana and Papa could have stayed longer, but decided to let Olivia enjoy a "friends party" for a change.

Daddy giving Olivia her birthday spankings, and one to grow on.

Andy getting Callahan all riled up too.  Andy's such a kid himself.

Olivia starting in on her gifts

Showing off her new bow she got from daddy


The kids being wild. Let me just say, I'm glad we stopped at two.  It was a fun evening, but eight year olds are exhausting!

The entire crew being silly.  We have Citori, Taner, Olivia, Paris, Callahan, and Hunter being stepped on.

I know Olivia loved her party and all her gifts. 

On the actual birthday we got up early and met my Uncle Jere for breakfast, along with Grandma and Grandpa McNeil.  They had a surprise for Olivia's birthday and were taking her to Disney Stars on Ice, the 100 years celebration.  She came home that evening only talking about how "amazing" everything was.  I went as a child and am thrilled she got to experience it and love it as well.

So eight years of joy, some tears, constant entertainment, a pinch of screaming, attitude, creativity, ear piercing volume, surprises around every corner, endless talking, and love that grows more each day, and that would sum up our life with Olivia.  We can't wait to see what the future unfolds for her in our lives.

The first snow fall of the year was pretty neat to see as well!