Fern Turns 7.

In a parenting-girls book I read this year, it described the stage that Fern is in as the Adventurous Years. She likes running around, exploring, PLAYING, and doing a variety of things. The section perfectly described where Fern is-loves nesting in her room, chatting with friends, and running around the neighborhood.



We use to worry about her shyness and how we could help her when she's feeling overwhelmed. There were years that she couldn't handle the birthday song, but she's really let a lot of that fall away. Not that shyness is a bad thing, but at times it kept her from so much! I look at these pictures from November and see a girl who full-throttle enjoyed her birthday. Presents, friends, playing, and celebrating all came so naturally to her. 

On her actual birthday, we gave her presents (including a caboodle!) and had dessert (proudly served by Burl) after our dinner. 

We had a simple friends party right after school on Friday afternoon. There's a park close by that we used. I grabbed a carload of kids and blared Shake It Off as they went wild and sang at the top of their lungs with the windows down. As I pulled up to the park, John saw me and laughed. He knew that this was a personal mom-highlight for me. 

Despite the cold, the kids ran around and had a great time. "Kids will always find a way to have fun," I read this year. So true. I don't know where the quote is, but it's accurate and why this stage is so great. 

We had a great family dinner with the cousins and grandparents where she got great attention and spoils! 

We closed out our celebrations with a treat for John and me. We took our girl out to dinner. This is our favorite way to celebrate. It's a parental indulgence. 

This seven year old business is so big. I will always miss my children being babies, but it doesn't hurt when this stage is so exciting. We love our seven year old Fern and look forward to this year!