Mary is EIGHT!?

Yesterday was Mary's eighth birthday. 'Scuse me while I attempt to absorb that.

EIGHT years? Wow.

As part of the birthday tradition, we took the family on a scenic drive through Rochester--showing Mary the tiny apartment we lived in when she was born and the hospital where she was born (which is now closed--but her pediatrician's office is still there).

Friday night Mary got to have three of her friends over for a slumber party. We did a reindeer craft (which didn't hold together too well with Elmer's--oh well), played with the balloons, watched Ratatouille, and even built a snowman (which proceeded to melt in the rain yesterday). And she had an "Avatar" cake. It was fun.

Mary, our first-born, is definitely spoiled. She got lots of toys and clothes (she wasn't too thrilled about the clothes--but I know she will be given a few more years!). We tried to get her to pick our dinner location yesterday, but she was hesitant. Apparently it's still too difficult for an eight-year old to fathom eating ANYWHERE but Wendy's for dinner. John chose Friendly's (for the ice cream, of course). I reminded him that our last few experiences there weren't too great, but he wanted to give it another try (different branch). Yeah--we're not going back again.

The last two years Mary's been sick on her birthday, but this year she seemingly made it through and actually got to share her class treat in a timely manner instead of the week after the Holiday break (last year she had pink eye, the year before that it was the barfing flu--both of which hit the rest of the family with a vengeance). She did, however get sent to the nurse on Friday. Peeing issues again. We all thought she was fine (including the school nurse!), but now she's started showing some symptoms that SEEM to point to a UTI. And of COURSE she now won't get to make it to the doctor until WEDNESDAY. She's not in pain, so maybe it's just a fluke, and we'll make it through our presents and our turkey dinner OK.... Let's hope....

And now we're all buckling down for Christmas Eve. We will miss out on a couple of our presents as they were mailed to the wrong address, but we'll just pick them up on Wednesday and extend the holiday out a little longer. Other than that, all the cookies are baked (and exchanged!), the pumpkin pie is made, and I'm looking forward to watching "It's a Wonderful Life" tonight.

Happy Holidays to all! Love you!