Whitney's 10th birthday

May 23rd was Whitney's 10th birthday. She is an avid dog lover and so we had a dog-themed birthday party and sleepover for 4 friends from school.



We made dog collars with pet names on them and did face painting (actually just water-color markers because I didn't have face paint) so everyone could be a doggie.



Here are two of my "litter", Sierra and Whitney. They look so much alike in this photo.



One game we played was "Puppy Stuff Up". Each girl had to eat a bowl of popcorn like a dog. The first one to finish was the winner.



"Pin the bone on the dog" was another favorite game.



Present time is always fun and Whitney loved every gift given by loving and thoughtful friends. It is always special to receive gifts from other cultures. Of the friends at the party we had Holland, England, Albania, and the United States represented.



What would a party be without a cake? Double layer chocolate cake with butter cream frosting and vanilla ice cream was ordered by the birthday girl. And of course, it had to follow the dog theme.



Whitney blew out the candles about 10 times - they were the relighting kind.




Well, the party went over well and we survived the night with 10 girls in the house. I couldn't believe how many chocolate chip pancakes those girls put away the next morning. So now we have 1/2 our kids in the double digits in their age. How crazy is that?

We are so very thankful to be celebrating this birthday with Whitney. After all that we have been through in the last year with her eye, we are all the more mindful that each day with our children is a gift not to be taken lightly. Whitney's sweet and lovable nature is reflected in her nickname, "Snugglebug". She is so tender hearted and gentle. We pray that God captures her heart and gives her a desire to use her caring spirit to glorify Him.