Sydney's Ninth

Sydney turned 9 years old on October 19th this year. Here' a little spot light on my new 9 year old.

She has turned into an omelet lover and the best person to make those in this house is her Dad. He made one especially for her before heading off to work.

 One of the special things about her day was that it was her turn to be "Star of the Week" in her 3rd grade class. It just magically ended up that it landed on her birthday! I was able to go in and help out with that--such a treat! Her classmates asked her questions and as she'd answer them they had to fill out a special paper--later that day they had to write her a letter and draw a picture that went along with some of the information she'd given them. All those papers were collected and turned into a fun book for Sydney to take home to read.

The display of pictures she brought in to talk about. I got to tell a couple fun stories about her too.

Standing with her 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. Gambill

We kept her birthday super simple and let her bring one friend out to dinner with the family. She chose her friend Tate, who was the first friend she met when we moved here. We are so glad she lives here! Sporting their matching gum ball necklaces Tate got them.

The family at the mexican restaurant we ate at.

It was a school night so we had to keep things early. We dropped Tate off and then had Sydney open gifts once we got home. (Notice Spencer working on his loose tooth he ended up losing that evening).

Some of her gifts: a Harry Potter Hogwarts Lego set, a new outfit, lip gloss and a book I put together for her.

I've been wanting to put this book together of her baptism for a year now and I am happy to say that it is finally finished! I had some helpful examples (a friend, my sis-in-law and a sample baptism book) to steer me in the right direction. I think it turned out perfect! She especially loved to read the letters from both sets of grandparents. Thanks for getting those to me in time--with such short notice!!

Nine Fun Facts about my Favorite Sydney:

1. She's had a fun sense of humor ever since she was little and it's still going strong!

2. When we went to the zoo this summer and the kids painted their faces, I was particularly impressed with the finished product that landed on Sydney's face. 

She painted herself as this amazing lion!! I couldn't have done better! I love how she's even in character for the picture pose. And then we have gothic Saryn... : )

3. During the summer she got to spend time with her cousin Maddie (they are just 11 days apart). We made a special trip to the American Girl Store and had a fun lunch there.

Their matching Rebecca dolls

Checking their beautified selves out in the bathroom.

Did I mention Grandma Kirkham (Bubba) was in town too? So Fun!

4. She loves good one on one time. And making strawberry pie with Bubba this summer was a treat. 

5. She's currently on a co-ed basketball team. 

I had to take a picture of her cute legs : ) 

6. She won the sassiest costume award this year at a Halloween party at church.

7. She is becoming very crafty with hand stitching things and sewing on her sewing machine. This was a "How To" paper on sewing she wrote about in school last year (2nd grade). 

 Here's an apron she put together

And a purse she sewed out of felt for Saryn. 

I love the profile shot here with her foot on the pedal.

8.  She is ever so sweet with her siblings (most of the time, but with Shayla especially). I'll often catch her reading a story or helping her out, which helps me out a lot!!

9. I love the little lady she is becoming. It's been so fun to watch her grow these past nine years. It's hard to imagine that in the next nine years she will be all grown and out of the house. If only I were the one in control of this "time" thing we have. Anyway...I love this little girl of mine!!

Happy 9th Birthday, Sydney!