Ellie's Birthday Party

So after the craziness of Thanksgiving we started getting ready for E's birthday party.

We would be in Texas for her actual birthday so we had a little party before we left.
She was SO excited about it.
It was super easy, low key, kid-friendly.

And there were KIDS at her birthday party.
Her parties were always very full, but never really full of kids!
Since Ellie was born she has never lacked for people to love on her or celebrate her. 
But since we were college pastors of a young church and most of our friends didn't
have kids yet, the average age at her parties was probably 25!

So this party was very different than any she'd had before.
Trav pulled out all his best games...of course.
We played a 4 year old version of corn hole.
 "Volleyball"
Limbo.

Love this 2 year old.  Such a fun age.  Who ever said 2's were
terrible?  I think they are terrific! 

Clockwise...Gracie, Hannah, Jack, Garrett (not in his seat, not pictured),

Birthday Girl, Ellie Grace, Wade, McKenna

Hot dogs for the kids, chili for the adults.

It was another perfect, beautiful Arizona day.  Cool but far from cold.
The kids played outside the whole time.

Ellie Grace and Rebekah

Wade

Garrett

And of course, Emily made another fabulous cake!

 

So fun!  Rainbow...at Ellie's request.

And then before we opened presents, Travis talked about Ellie.

I had heard a sermon from Jimmy Seibert that talked about this...

he said at each of his kids birthdays they always told the story of when that child was born

and promises they felt like God spoke over their life before they were even born.

I loved this idea, so we decided to make it a tradition.

I'm sure it may embarrass her when she's older, 

but I want her to know that we rejoice in her life and are excited about who God has made her.

Even though she got a little shy, I could tell in her eyes she was beaming

as her daddy spoke so highly of her.

I so love the heart of a Daddy for his girl.

I know it is shaping who she is becoming.

And a few presents...

(love little Gracie's face, excited for her sister)

Another awesome, personalized birthday card by John.

(this is Ellie in her favorite outfit, by the way...her soccer uniform)

And the beloved BIKE from Grandmommie and Papa!

After the party she and Trav went on a bike ride together.  A first of many.

He kept saying he couldn't believe he was going on bike rides

with his little girl!

She looks like such a big girl riding it!

We love you, Ellie!

You are our little light!