Monarch of all she surveys: Zoe's birthday

 Because Zoe's birthday was on a Wednesday and they leave way too early in the morning to open presents BEFORE school, I wanted to do something to make it special first thing. I taped up this plastic table cloth and filled it with balloons (something I had seen on Pinterest). When she opened her door in the morning she got showered with balloons.

 She was excited about it and had a great attitude about waiting to open gifts until Travis got home from work.
Mimi and Pa were still here so that made it extra special.
She wanted bow tie noodles and Alfredo sauce (from the can) for her dinner.

 Yes, we had the T.V. on while she opened presents. We wanted Felix with us, but sometimes it is impossible for us to enjoy it unless he is distracted.

 I found some duct tape that had mustaches on it. Liam made (with help) Zoe a wallet out of it.

 She is getting to be such a big girl! This year for her birthday she wanted an ipod touch. I told her last year that if she wanted one she would have to save up half. She saved the entire year and had enough when the time came. She even opted to NOT have a birthday party this year so she could have more gifts (clothes). We are really proud of her being able to work so hard to save that much money.

 Right here she is probably saying, "Daaaaaaad!!!" They love to tease each other.
She has always been sassy and observant, but it sometimes surprises me how quick and clever she is (especially in social situations).
Not only did she work hard to save money, but she has thrown herself into a really difficult 5th grade class with so much determination. She spends hours working on homework and doing a really great job. School has never been of much interest to Zoe, academically, but that has changed this year.

Zoe really is delightful. She knows how to push my buttons better that anyone I have ever known (and I have 3 younger brothers!), but I am constantly amazed by how great she is about wanting to understand and be understood. When she is understood and feels loved she is so sweet. I am excited to see what this next year brings for our little girl/young woman.