Kate's For Real Birthday!

Since Kate's party was not on her REAL birthday, we had a family fun night on July 13th to celebrate the day. We invited Kelsey to come along for the fun...we loved having her join us for dinner before she had to leave to attend one of her many dance classes!

Kate picked the restaurant (O'Charleys...yum...read "delicious warm, buttery yeast rolls") and the after dinner venue (Frankie's Fun Park). Here are some pics from the night:

Kate and Kelsey outside of O'Charleys...waiting on Daddy to arrive so the celebration can start!

Aaron was excited...not necessarily about dinner or Kate's birthday...probably about playing in the dirt outside the restaurant.

Thought this was a cute shot...Aaron gives great hugs!

After dinner, our waitress brought out this cute plate just for Kate!
Yeast Rolls + Sweet Tea+ OoeyGooey Caramel Pie = One Happy 7 Year Old
(oh wait, maybe that should read: one happy 'thirty something'!?!)

When life gives you lemons, remember to SMILE!

Our waitress was so awesome...she made Kate feel so special. And she took this photo of my family so that I could be in the pic.

Brother and sister trying to smile, but impatiently waiting for our next stop...Frankie's!

Once inside, Kate and Aaron headed straight for the jungle gym area. After climbing/jumping/sliding/expending great energy for 30-45 minutes, they were ready for games.

But wait...Kate wanted to ride just one more thing for her birthday.

The DropZone.

Daddy drew the short straw.

Aaron looked on with anxiety. He wasn't so sure about this ride.

Neither was Daddy.

Just their feet. Wow...that's high.

Kate had a blast, and Daddy was happy to have survived!
You're my hero, honey.

Time for a few games. Don't you just love ski ball? This was Kate's first year where she rolled the ball accurately enough to get it in some of the top holes. Talk about excitement!

Throw it baby!

What is it about these yellow tickets that make kids so happy? (oh yeah, the cheap prizes waiting to be selected)

Air hockey: Little brother vs. Big Sister

Even though it's blurry, I love her smile/laugh in this pic!
We all were having such a fun time together.

Daddy is trying to explain to Aaron that it's not a GOOD thing to have the puck go in your side of the table. No matter how much fun it is to watch. Over and over.

She was serious...and she dominated the game. Go Birthday girl!

Back home from a night of fun.
I hope you will always have fond memories of your childhood birthdays.

I pray God's blessings for you this year and always.

I love you, sweet Kate!