That time Eloise turned 9

Eloise just celebrated turning double digits this past week BUT before that, she turned NINE right smack in the middle of COVID-19, so it was an at home birthday bash at the Valentine Nest ending with her request of sliders cooked by her favorite chef...clue...not me ; ) The guy pictured below delights in spoiling his girlie-pie with delicious meals. Along with her sister, she has an adult palate and if given their own allowance to spend at Central Market would come home with Lamb Shanks and Big Eye Tuna.  

Leading up to the big day, we visited Grammy and Grandpa for cake and time in the sandbox. I HATE SAND unless I am at the beach and I am so glad that we have a fun pair that is happy to load 200 pounds of sand into the box on a regular basis and allow it to be tracked into their house. 

 

Birthday morning was the best. On Mother's Day, I had written a letter about motherhood that I read to the kids. Eloise followed suit and drafted the sweetest, most thoughtful letter for our family. I was in tears as she read it and thanked each of us for various things.  

It was donuts and sausage balls for breakfast per request of the birthday girl...always delicious!

There were gifts galore culminating with the teeny-tiniest message from Charlotte that was only legible through the lens of a magnifying glass. It led her through nine clues hidden all through the house ending at the mailbox where she got to open her gift. What a fun sissy!

SpaceX even celebrated her birthday by launching Flacon 9 into orbit with two astronauts aboard headed to the International Space Station! So kind of them!

It was the first launch from American soil since 2011 from Kennedy Space Center right next to our favorite beach. We even caught a glimpse of it from our yard in Orlando. This is how the little lady looked that week on the 4th of July.... she's grown a bit!

Elo requested the blow up pool in the backyard for lounging and splashing. While we were out back, her friend Alaina and her sisters chalked the front sidewalk with a birthday message & put a balloon and gift on the mailbox! Such a special surprise during a time when we were not able to play with friends!

Even GGran stopped by for a visit! Aunt Debbie and Uncle Joe did too but inadvertently hid from the camera : ) They came bearing brownies with nine candles, of course.

So much of the pandemic season was filled with rest and family time. We were grateful for that and grateful for our girl and all the joy she brings to our home. Her creativity, generosity and genuine concern for others is such a gift. 

I got in a little snuggle that evening.....

while reminiscing of the day she was born....

We love our Eloise Hope.