did you hear?

Gracie is NINE!

and to assert her preteen spirit she chose HOoTInAnNies for breakfast.

(the german pancake variety for those not in the know - or who just refuse to acknowledge the way hootnanny rolls off the tongue.

I'm just saying.)
and apparently no one could wait for all the candles to be lit.

this was our morning scene, an instant party as we have extra guests living among us for now.

to offset the crowd at breakfast John and I took Grace for an intimate dinner all by her lonesome. Cheesecake Factory was our destination of choice. have you seen the size of their plates!? we were all a bit surprised.

we did our best to enjoy the spread.

and due to her age, we had lots of grown up conversation along the way.

this girl, who has her ears wide open even when we think she's not paying attention,

is certainly coming of age. welcome to preteen my lady.

one last year of single digits - so lets not over do it on playing the teen part, k?

and no June birthday is complete without swimming at grandma and grandpa's and of course, MORE cake! notice the variety of ice cream - this darlings treat of choice.

Grace has graciously agreed to wait on a party, since mom can't seem to keep it

together these days. update to come eventually.

Grace, you slipped into our lives nine speedy years ago. (wow!)

you are a sweet presence of kindness and honest devotion to all things good.

we love the charming way you interact with anyone,

your subdued confidence endears you to us all.

and your loving nature makes us so happy to be attached to you forever.

thank you for your loving reminders of what is worth our attentions.

remember, you are a beautiful girl, strong and worthy of others kindness.

don't forget to show that strength in all that you do.

we love you, sister -

Happy Ninth Miss Grace!