I am so lucky to be their mom.

Maggie’s actual birthday was much more relaxed.

It started with more presents.

We had a quick shopping trip and picked up pizza (her dinner choice).

Of course there was a special birthday dessert. Maggie decided on brownies.

She asked if everyone could have candles.

Maggie wanted all of us to get wishes.

I think she had a fantastic birthday weekend.

While Maggie was getting pampered, the rest of the crew was busy decorating and setting up for her party. She had asked for a surprise party but, like the ear piercing, assumed it would be on her actual birthday, not the day before.

After quickly changing into her birthday dress, she was ready to party. Maggie had originally asked for a fruit themed party. She modified that into a tropical/Hawaiian party once she saw the decoration options. She picked them all out herself and may have a gone a little overboard – thankfully it was at the $1 store.

She was so excited about each and every one of her gifts.

After opening everything, Maggie asked everyone to get into a circle from youngest to oldest. Then she went around and thanked each person individually and gave them a hug.

One thing Maggie didn’t pick out was her cake. That was all Luke, and he did a fantastic job.

Maggie’s favorite part of the birthday song is adding a “cha cha cha” at the end of it. My mom made the kids “cha cha” cards to hold up and Maggie loved it.

She took her wish very seriously. I thought the candles were going to melt completely before she blew them out.

Hopefully her wish comes true.

I can’t wait to see what eight has in store for this sweet girl.

Last Saturday I asked Maggie if she wanted to go out with me to run some errands. Little did she know it was actually the start of her birthday weekend surprises.

We had promised Maggie she could get her ears pierced when she turned eight. For some reason, she had convinced herself that she was getting her ears pierced on her actual birthday, and so she wasn’t expecting it the day before.

In addition to the ear piercing, we signed Maggie up for the full “diva” treatment.

It started with getting her nails painted and a glitter tattoo. She picked purple and green nail polish and a starfish tattoo.

Maggie got her hair braided, with a crown and more glitter on top.

Then it was time for the main event.

They let her pick out a special stuffed animal to hold while they did the piercing, and this was her face when she realized she got to take it home with her.

She picked a rainbow bear and named it “Diva.”

She handled the piercing like a champ. I’m glad they did both ears at the same time.

And just like that – pierced ears!

Maggie chose an adorable pair of little flower earrings. They look really sweet on her and she loves how they sparkle.

Some bunny visited our house the other night. The kids all managed to find their baskets and were thrilled with their haul.

It’s been rough on Annie.