We have a seven year old!

We made the (wrong) decision to have Lindsey's birthday party two weeks after her actual birthday, so we had a lot of celebrating in this house. 
We had an Easter/birthday celebration with my parents the weekend before the big day, so there was a huge lunch and cupcakes and singing and such. 
The night before Lindsey's birthday David and I had a dinner to attend, so Nani and Cappy came down and had cake with the kids.  More sweets, more presents. 
Then on her actual birthday, Lindsey requested waffles with whipped cream and sprinkles for breakfast.  She could not wait to open her present because it was a surprise.  She originally said she wanted a new American Girl doll with long hair, but David said we were standing by our rule of only one AG doll.  However, we had to admit that Lindsey treats Kit as a member of the family, and all of the gifts Lindsey gets for birthdays and Christmas revolve around that doll.  On the way to school one day, I asked Lindsey what she wanted for her birthday and she said some books.  When I asked about the Caroline doll, she said she was going to wait to ask Santa for it because she knew it was too expensive and dad said no.  Naturally, I ordered the doll that day.  Lindsey was shocked when she opened Caroline on her birthday, and we were so happy to be able to surprise her.  She truly is a smart, caring girl who is mature beyond her years.  She makes us proud daily with the way she takes care of Benton and Kate.  If the girl wants a doll, we are getting her a doll. 
I went to school to eat lunch with Lindsey, and she requested McDonalds (why doesn't my child love something like Subway?) and more cupcakes.  I could tell Lindsey was so proud to have me there with her eating on her birthday.  That night we took Madilyn with us to Newk's then finished her birthday at church.
A week and a half later, we had Lindsey's birthday party.  The plan was to keep it low key--she wanted a slumber party, so we had 12 girls over from 5-7 for supper, cake, and crafts, then 3 girls from the neighborhood spent the night.  Twelve girls doing crafts--plus Benton wanting to do crafts and Kate wanting to eat everything in sight--became a bit overwhelming, but Lindsey had a blast.  Once we were down to four I popped in a movie and put them all in sleeping bags.  Lindsey enjoyed it, and that makes it a success.
We are so thankful for our seven-year-old Lindsey and the constant joy she brings to our life!  She loves reading, writing poems, making up cheers, playing with her American Girl dolls, and most of all, being a big sister.  She is a blessing to the four of us!  (I did a terrible job taking pictures.  I was busy with the crafts and food.  During the party I realized I am really not to the point that I can successfully throw a party without my mom's help.)

The cake looked like a bed.  It was cute and I hate I didn't get a better picture. 

I love Kate's face here.  She wants Lindsey to hurry up and blow out the candles so she can eat.  I also think it's priceless how much those two girls look alike.

Benton missed the beginning of the party because he was at another party, but as soon as he got home he wanted to make a Star Wars pillowcase. 

Lindsey and her school friend Anna Kate decorating pillowcases.

The next morning.  Lindsey, Lily, Madilyn, and Abby Grace look tired, so I'm sure I did too.

Maggie, Anna Kate, and Chesney eating pancakes with Lindsey.

Here comes Peter Cottontail...hopping down the muddy trail...

Easter was early this year, so the weather did not cooperate with those who love outdoor egg hunts and spring dresses.  Regardless, we were able to celebrate the true meaning of Easter--up from the grave He arose!  I think the cold, rainy weather was a blessing because it made us stay home and enjoy time with family this year. 
We had a rainy neighborhood egg hunt, but the kids had fun (and racked up loot) despite the weather.  The Easter bunny even made an appearance.  It was the shortest egg hunt I've ever attended, but it was still fun.  Later that day we had a Sunday school egg hunt at our house, but again, due to the weather, we had to change plans and hunt eggs in the playroom.  It was a bit chaotic but the kids had fun. 
Sunday morning we went to church then went to the Ruffs' for lunch.  The kids and I were off Friday and Monday, so we enjoyed taking it easy with art projects and library books. 

Kate and her friend Will

I know that cute clothing has nothing to do with the meaning of Easter, but I do think these kids look adorable!

Lily and Lindsey at the rainy egg hunt

Neighborhood kids lined up to hunt.  The bunny had to stand behind the kids or else they ran off screaming.