Happy Birthday Fiora

I guess having time to post doesn't necessarily motivate one to post often, how did half of February already pass?  Well TODAY is Fiora's 10th birthday so I will add some birthday pictures at the end.  But what also has happened in the past two weeks: my first attempt at making sour dough bread (turned out pretty but I was missing something so I'll need to try again), a couple ice fishing trips for Jared and Gabe (they got skunked the first time but persevered and caught several large beautiful trout the second time), Jared cooking up the fish with some excellent citrus marinade, Savanna and her friend Ella making a cake (Sav thankfully has one friend she can count on to want to hang out with her every Saturday, she loves it), a temple trip down to Manti with my sister Krystal and my parents, a sleep over with my siblings who stayed with my kids while we went to Manti, a Sweetheart Ball the Stake hosts that Jared and I attended,  and the Lindon Spelling Bee Fiora participated in (she competed with 3 5th and 3 6th graders and made it through 6 rounds! Jared and I were so nervous for her and very proud that she was so brave as to stand up and spell in front of the whole school). 

 

 

ok here are the birthday pictures. Fiora got a family party on Sunday and my sister Heidi was kind enough to make the cake for that. Fiora waited patiently for the family visiting and spiritual message to end so she could open some gifts. She got some clothes and nail/body accessories, and then our favorite part cake, ice cream and the birthday cantata. This morning she was able to open the gift she wanted this year...a Build A Bear! I think she has wanted one for years but we have always thought it a bit pricey for a stuffed animal, but this year she was determined so that was the only thing she asked for, and I think because as I'm a little sad she is growing up so fast and in denial that she will soon be too old for bears, well we relented and got her a bear and bear clothes. She loved it! Fiora and Weston gave her beads and string for jewelry. She is having her friends over for a hot tub party tomorrow since tonight is too busy, so this has been birthweek rather than day for Fiora!  We sure love our sweet, calm, smart, beautiful Flower.  (I also added a pic of Fiora and Savanna from 2003 for fun)