A Solo Viola Recital and more Birthday

You didn't actually think I only took 9 photos on her 9th birthday... did you?



Of course not!!! There was so much more than that full (school day) day than just the 9 I showed on the last post.

It all started with waking her up singing... all of us... it was sweet, sweet, sweet, for us to watch her eyes flutter open on her birthday.



There was school that day but it was wonderful knowing that she would be 'celebrated' all day.

That evening the girls were in their end-of-year viola solo recitals. They both did beautifully.

(her shoulder rest popped off just before she started)









And then it was getting dark and a bit to chilly too be outside for cake and presents so we just sat around the kitchen table and enjoyed our evening with our new nine year old.







Abigail is delighted with gifts and so much fun to watch open them. She is dramatic, and grateful. She is animated, and over-the-top gushy. She oozes with expressions.











But there was none like these when she realized she was opening an American Girl Doll.





She ran straight into daddy's arms filled with love. (before she even finished opening or looking at it) And I think she was actually crying a bit. It took us all by surprise just how grateful she was and it made it all that much more worth it.



She jumped in his arms with her feet up in the air.





She buried her face in his neck and held on tight. (Can you even imagine their father/daughter wedding dance someday?)







And then she took one look at her doll and I think she might have fallen in love.







It's not a 'look like me' doll but boy... they sure do look alike!





It was a beautiful, beautiful night.