Celebrating a Decade: Annie's 10th Birthday

Okay, okay.   I promise we will get to the place where Annika isn't the center of each blogpost.  But this one is important!  At the end of January our baby girl turned ten.  During those dicey moments in the hospital, I promised that when we made it to this milestone, we were going to PARTY!  And party we did.  Had she been homebound, she might have gotten her dream puppy.  Since she was well, we went to visit all the animals at SeaQuest instead.  A better deal and much smaller commitment!

The Wilhoits joined us for our adventure.

First animal encounter--turtles!  They were super friendly...

...especially when offered a snack.

Copious koi.

Since we were celebrating a birthday, we splurged on the kinkajou animal encounter.  The pictures are weird because of the red light, but it was super fun to watch.  Those who participated thought it was both cool and stinky.

Hey, you're on my head!

That's better.

Personally, I like the stingrays best.

Of course, the cleaner fish run a close second.  Callie seems a bit nervous about this personal mani!

 

Eli bonds with the iguana.

Feeding the nurse shark takes a bit more courage, but he was totally up to the challenge.

Feeling grateful that there aren't megalodons in our oceans these days.  Those are some giant choppers.

Uncle Adam treated the kids to some fancy feline time as well.  It's a special day when you get to hang out with a bengal kitty!

All tuckered out...

...rather like the sloth.  This guy doesn't even have the energy to dangle.

We broke out the cupcakes before parting ways with the Wilhoits.  We'd hate to have anyone drive home wih low blood sugar.

A gorgeous sunset to celebrate a special day.

But wait, you thought the party was done.  Not by a long shot!  While Annika may not have gotten a puppy for her birthday, she did finally get to eat at Red Lobster after years of begging.  In fact, we drove to an entirely different location just so that she could pet a live crustacean.

Sweet sisters.  

In case you are wondering where Brooklyn is in all of these photos, she was off in Washington DC with a delegation of youth representing Salt Lake County at the annual CADCA conference--Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America. Brooklyn had a great time, and even got to meet some legislators. Nice work, Buttermilk!

Back to the lobster, Annika thoroughly enjoyed hers.  Even though this wasn't the fellow she petted in the tank, I still feel a bit awkward watching her play with her food.

But hey, gotta admit it's tasty!

The next morning was Annika's actual birthday.  Grandma Susie and Grandpa Charles joined us for some pre-church Papa Pancakes.  Annie's favorite!

Our fireplace mantle magically sprouted gifts overnight.  (Not that our birthday girl really needed any after the prior month's doting...)

Classic toys are the best!  Here's an Etch-a-sketch from our neighbors, the Harmons.

Jason and I gave Annie a Jungle Rescue lego set.  Annie and Eli LOVE playing legos together.

In keeping with the animal theme, NomiAnn sewed some fantastic sea turtle curtains for Annie.

And Talia, well she's just cute trying to stay afloat in APUSH (AP US History).

We all know that it's better to give than receive, so Annie enjoyed giving Eli this handcrafted Baby Yoda as well.

That evening we headed over to Justin and Brianna's to celebrate with the Wheeler family.  Christy made the most adorable axolotl cake.  Thank you!

Annie was delighted to spend time with Ruby and Violet.

We even had a spa party with face masks.  So slimy!

Annika's mermaid scales may match her dress...

...but the men perfected the fashion trend.

Happy birthday to our sweet and spunky Annika!  May the coming decades be every bit as joyful and bright as your first.  We love you!