to and from Denver for the big surprise
Gracie + Sue (the traveling Sue exhibit is on display at Denver Museum of Nature and Science through January)(and thank you, Denver Museum of Nature and Science for providing free admittance to active duty military members and their families!!!)
a birthday party filled with the birthday girl's favorite things
Grandma and Grandpa, Gracie and mama
It is a special birthday indeed when 14 out of 15 people in attendance at one's celebration have known you for your entire life (Bridget is the only one who can't claim that, and that isn't really fair, is it?)
Exhibits: T-Rex Encounter, Prehistoric Journey, Space Odyssey, Wildlife Exhibits, Ancient Egypt
beloved friends who will stand by you no matter what : )
Bridget and Matt picked out a balloon nearly bigger than Gracie; we always get her not-Christmas flowers to separate birthday from Christmas
the big reveal: Kaya, the American Girl doll of Gracie's dreams for more than three years
birthday treats are always by request, and Gracie requested "decorate your own cupcakes" (and yes, I am not only a cake wrecker but a cupcake wrecker too—but sprinkles and sugar cover up all sorts of ills)
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Dear Gracie,
As Olivia's mother once said, you wear us out by we love you anyway. So, so, so much. Happy Birthday, sweet Gracie-Grace.
Love, Mama, Daddy, Maddie, and Bridget