Happy Birthday Clara!

Today is officially the day that my baby girl turns 8 years old! I really have a hard time believing it, but it happened anyway :-)

So, like usual, she wanted to take a trip to the American Girl Store. I waited too late to make reservations for lunch so we ended up having brunch instead.

One of Clara's favorite things is the little box of conversation starter questions....


Here's her breakfast.... a french toast stack...
After that they brought out dessert with a candle for her and sang happy birthday...
and then it was time again to make a wish...
Julie needed some refreshments too...
Clara and Julie...
After brunch (with Alex and Grandpa and Grandma Missouri), we did a little shopping in the store. She spent some of her money on outfits for Julie and then spent the rest at home online on Little Miss Matched stuff.

She had a great day! She was so excited to go to dance this afternoon on her actual birthday. On your birthday her teacher will pull on your ears and pull you up by them once for each year... has anyone ever heard of this? Clara thinks it's hysterical and was really looking forward to it. If you have ever heard of this tradition and know any background... I would love to hear it (Clara's teacher is Russian if that helps any).

Well... I should probably get the birthday girl into bed!

'nite!!