Penny Turns 12

Monday morning I woke up at 5:30am so I could get myself ready and all my girls ready for family pictures. I had already woken up Ruby and gotten her hair done when I got a call from the photographer cancelling pictures AGAIN (we were 15 minutes away from leaving). It was raining out in Northville. This was not in the forecast and I was so frustrated. I definitely couldn't suppress my frustration and she offered to try again later that morning- but warned me if it was still raining or too wet she would still charge me the full fee. Yeah, no. She is cheap and does good pictures but she has zero flexibility with weather. We ended up rescheduling for a Sunday- 2 weeks away. I really hope we don't get cancelled on for a third time or I might just have to hire someone more expensive and who is less afraid of weather.

Later that morning I took the girls to the mall. Lucy wanted to get out of the house for a bit but she was also being nice and wanted to get Penny a birthday present. I hung out at the play area with Grams and Ruby while the girls did some shopping. Grams was nice and bought us all pretzels to share as we were leaving. Pretzels are the best part of going to the mall.

Monday evening I had Craft Club at Tana's. I brought my Venice paint by number. It is a slow process but I am starting to enjoy it. Ranell, Sasha, Keilani, and Jean came as well. Keilani is a talker and I didn't feel like I had to lead the conversation as much as I usually do so it was quite nice. At Craft Club I had been joking about our guinea pig that will never die and when I came home Steven told me Mariah was not doing well and he thought she was not going to last the night. Honestly, I felt guilty for wishing her dead...but then by morning she was fine. That guinea pig did that to me on purpose.

Tuesday morning I kept having this feeling I needed to double check the date of Ben's OCC Orientation. I was about to do it that morning when my dad called me and then I forgot again. After getting up and at it and doing my work out, I remembered to check again and had a huge major shock- the orientation was today and it started in 30 minutes! We rushed to grab what he needed and ran out the door. I filled out the paperwork while he drove and miraculously we made it there with like 5 minutes to spare. Ben's hair was a mess and he was wearing his FaLa Christmas shirt so of course they took his picture when we arrived. I asked if he wanted to go fix his hair first, but he did not care. I gave them the paperwork and left as quickly as possible because I was in my work out clothes, my hair was crazy greasy and I had no make up on. I was not exactly photo ready either.

Tuesday afternoon Ruby, Penny and I went to see the new dinosaur Paw Patrol movie. It was the perfect movie for a toddler- she loved it. Her excitement is so contagious and fun.  She was shouting things like "That is so beautiful!" and "Oh my gosh!" The movie was silly but it was not terrible to sit through.

Tuesday evening Grams, Ruby and I went to the dog beach. It wasn't as mucky this time but instead there was a colony of wasps or something living in tunnels under the sand. Despite the insects making me nervous, we had  a nice time. The weather was perfect and Ruby was enjoying splashing around in the water.

Wednesday I took the younger 4 to Dave and Busters to use our last gift card from Christmas. Lucy, Ben and Penny all seemed to enjoy playing the various games. Ruby seemed to get overstimulated by all the noise and lights and people. She wandered a lot and mostly played the same few games over and over again- a bowling game, and a fishing game. I played Pac Man/Skee Ball while she bowled. She did do a race car game with Ben's help a few times too. Lucy won a couple stuffies- a soccer ball and superman. Ben used his tickets to get Ruby an Enderman head. Ruby used her tickets to get candy. Penny got a mood necklace with her tickets.

Thursday was Penny's 12th Birthday. She woke up and opened her presents as per tradition. We got her an Echo Dot, a UV light for drying nails, and gel nail polish. Grams and Poppy Brady got her a purse and lip gloss. Grams and Poppy Hatch got her blush, mascara and more lip gloss. Lucy got her a shirt. All in all she was very spoiled.

For lunch Poppy took Penny (and Ben) out to lunch at Wendy's. Then at 1pm Penny's friends came over for her birthday party- Ady, Lyla, Mimi,and Brooklyn. Lucy's friends, Geli and Linda, joined the party as well. Luna wasn't able to make it because she had horse lessons she couldn't get out of. Once everyone arrived, Nahoko and I transported them to Target. I got lucky and got the car with the older girls so it was a much quieter drive than Nahoko's. At Target the girls were off to find the items on the photo scavenger hunt- a Lilo and Stitch toy,a pink shirt,a fluffy journal, a pic with a Target employee (the older girls hated this one), someone trying on high heels, etc. The younger girls were so noisy and seemed to have a blast running around Target together. Nahoko kind of followed them but I was able to pretty much hear them at all times. The older girls were probably too old and too "cool" for the hunt but they were nice and did it anyways. I followed them from a stalker distance and only lost them a couple times. I thought it would be nice to invite the older sisters for Lucy, but I think I probably should have just kept it with Penny's friends. The younger girls finished the photo scavenger hunt first and won that glory.

At Target I bought them all tote bags and then we went to the Dollar Tree where I bought them all something pink and something sweet. Honestly it was a super easy and cheap party and Penny seemed to love it. We ended the party with cake and ice cream at our house. Lucy decorated Penny's birthday cake. She did a great job but she didn't love doing it so I am not sure she will keep up with the cake decorating. When they finished with the cake and ice cream, Penny opened up all her gifts- squishies, a gift card, some Lilo and Stitch things,candy,etc. After the gift opening, Penny and her friends went upstairs to play with her new things and Lucy and her friends stayed downstairs. Lucy's friend, Linda was very chatty with me for a bit and then I convinced the older girls (along with Ben) to play Gang Beasts. That game is always a hit. It eventually drew out the youger girls and everyone ended up getting into it until it was time for the party to end.

For dinner, we all went to Chick Fil A (grandparents came too). Penny traded out her toy for ice cream and was very happy with her dinner choice. While we were there, Ruby used the restroom with no issues so I think we are officially over the fear of public toilets.

Side note for Thursday, August 20th- Lucy started her period. She went to the bathroom in the morning and then- boom- it began. So glad she was at home when it started. I know she doesn't want me sharing this with the world but I also want to document it because I can not remember when I started mine and the circumstances at all. So maybe mine, like hers, was not very notable or traumatic? 

Friday evening I went to the temple with my mom to do an Endowment Session. In full disclosure, I haven't done an Endowment session since I was pregnant with Ruby. I have been at the temple since having her, but only for Baptisms with the kids. I am glad I finally got back, it was about time and I appreciated all the changes that have been made that make things more understandable and simpler ( I feel less anxious about it now). I went because Melissa's oldest child was going through for the first time and my mom came with me for moral support- I am grateful for that. There was only one other person there for Alissa besides me and her parents so that also made me glad that I went. It was a nice way to spend an evening.

Also Friday evening, Ben had a soccer game and he was able to play for a whole 30 minutes. He said he only got to play because the team they played was lousy but I am still happy he got to play. However, I am bummed that none of us were able to be there to support him. 

Saturday morning I took Lucy out to celebrate her womanhood, lol. She chose to go to Nothing Bundt Cake. She chose Red Velvet Cake which felt very fitting.

I spent the afternoon cleaning so that was productive and then that evening I had a girl's night with Grace, Caroline and Melissa. It was fine. There are some times it was hard to stay quiet. They were ragging on someone and I basically told them that I couldn't hate on this person because she was the only one to check in on Penny and this person had even brought Penny a care package. They actually looked repentant when I said that. And it felt good to get it out there, even if it was indirectly. I don't think my friendship with Melissa and Caroline will ever be what it used to be. I am grateful for Grace, who has been with me through all the things. She is a good friend.

Varsity Soccer

Monday we went to scout out Target for Penny's birthday party. We decided it would work for a photo scavenger hunt so we sent out invites. For the first time in awhile I actually had to create my own template since a Target birthday party is not a routine thing. I think the girls will have a lot of fun and hopefully I won't lose my sanity watching out for 9 girls at Target.

After dinner I decided to  go with Penny to pick out a few things for a care package for Lizzie who was getting surgery on her ear the next day. We got fancy clear apple juice since she would have to fast with only clear liquids in the morning and we also got her a cute little stuffie, a card and a book I happened to find at the library. I was really excited about the package but then I dropped it off and they weren't home and I got really no acknowledgement. I know we don't do service for the rewards but I guess I was hoping it would make her night or something. Too high of expectations.

After I dropped off the package I met Stefanie at Culver's. We hadn't hung out for over a year and it was really good to see her and catch up. She gave me a gift she had bought me for my 40th bithday- a cute pink shirt that says "No Hugs". It was sightly ironic since she gave me a hug. Her and her kids seem to doing well- she's just adjusting to a new job and her oldest heading off to college. I hope we don't wait a year before we get together again.

Tuesday evening I went to Grace's. I brought the Venice paint by number that she had given me for my birthday and started on it. I was there for 2 hours and barely completed a small corner of it and I don't feel like I did a good job of staying in the lines. I think it will be amazing when it is done but I think it will be ages before I finally do finish it.

Wednesday morning Penny had her arm appointment. She can now take the brace off at home and go to the beach if she is cautious but she cannot do anything really risky so we are trying to cancel soccer for her. I stupidly signed her up for it weeks ago forgetting that her arm was recently broken and would likely not be healed in time. I am bummed she has to sit out this season. But on a brighter soccer note- Wednesday night we found out that Ben made the Varsity Soccer Team. I was honestly not sure he would and I am so happy for him because I know he has worked hard to do this.

Thursday morning Ben had high school registration. He once again ended up with awkward hair in his high school photo.

Maybe we will actually give him a decent haircut before his senior photo. He also had a friend behind us in line who will be going to OCC as well so that was cool. When we got his schedule we saw that he had an English class at HS and also one at OCC and that he only had 3 classes at the high school instead of 4. We decided to check and make sure that he was on track with everything and the counselor was not very helpful. She was confusing and made me feel like we should decide if this schedule was ok. We don't know anything and I left feeling unsure if Ben's schedule is going to keep him on track for graduation.

Thursday after lunch, we walked with Kara, baby Amelia and their dog to the dog beach. It was one of our more awkward interactions. Conversation did not really flow and Ruby was being very toddlery and sometimes I feel like she is judging me- although their is a strong possibility that that is all in my head. We ended up having to leave after not too long because she thought her dog was too hot and also...Ruby pooped her pants. Every time I think we have potty training figured out she goes and proves me wrong. We ended up back at my less than clean house for some more awkward social interactions. 

Friday morning Lucy mowed and Ruby and I went to the playground. The air was thick with humidity and it made me feel crummy but Ruby loves the park.  

After lawn mowing we went to Marshalls so that Penny could pick out a gift from Grams for her birthday. She isn't as picky as her older sister and ended up finding a couple things really easily. On our way home we stopped at Tropical Smoothie for lunch. It was a nice little outing.

Friday night, we officially found out that Tyler's dad has stage 3 cancer. The good news it is localized in his esophagus so they think he has a fighting chance. He will be on chemo for 3 months and then they will do surgery. Tyler thinks he will drive my parents back to Arizona and then stay with his parents for 2 weeks- working from their home. I am glad he can do that and spend time with his dad. I am trying not be selfish and hyperventilate about being alone for 2 weeks. I also think we should try to drive out to Arizona for Christmas. I don't know exactly how we will pay for it but I do know we can probably drive cheaper than fly and I do know we need to get out there. Life is just full force lately.

Saturday morning Ben had a few soccer scrimmages- warming up for the season. We went to the first one and the weather was so nice. I was all dressed and ready to sweat to death but I ended up feeling almost a little cool. Tyler was a little more helpful with Ruby at the game than usual so I was actually able to sit and watch most of it. Varsity is defintely a higher paced level and it was fun to watch. Ben was able to play the last 15 minutes and that was the most he has probably ever played in a game. He says that it doesn't count since it was just a scrimmage and not an official game but I am going to count it. His team won 4-2.

I told Lucy she needed to get out of the house at some point Saturday so I would take her wherever she wanted (within reason). She requested lunch at Wendy's. Tyler, me, Penny, and Ruby all went to Wendy's for lunch with Lucy and it was nice. I made her socialize some with me- even though she would have preferred to just socialize with Ruby. This toddler plus teenager years are really testing me.

Milford Memories and Turning 41

Sunday I managed to get my Relief Society Presidency meeting cancelled because one of the members was out of town and I kind of pressured the president to just skip this weeks meeting. It is so nice to have a lazy Sunday- even if that is probably not the entire point of Sundays. We also had another new Sunday School Teacher (they have called 3 people to alternate with one another). This one is a frequent commenter so I knew her vibe already and I do not love it. She is really hard to listen (she feels very dramatic in her delivery and she is also a bit condenscending). I ended up just reading my scriptures during her lesson because I did not want to listen to her. Probably not the best choice but it sure helped me feel less annoyed.

Monday morning I had to do an Amazon return at Whole Foods and Ruby said she had to go to the bathroom while we were there but I think she just wanted to try out the bathroom. She did not have to pee. Later that day I went thrifting with Lucy and Penny for jeans that they could wear at camp. I did not want to buy them brand new jeans and have them mess those up at camp. We had zero luck finding something in their size at Salvation Army. Instead I got a lot of sass from Lucy who hates thrift shopping and refused to really look for something. Lots of eye rolls and anger from her. I ended up going to a couple other thrift stores later that night with just Penny and managed to find both the girls and the boys jeans. It turns out Lucy is pretty close to my size in pants so if they fit me, they will likely fit her. 

Also Monday, Ruby met her buddy Asher at the dog beach. I never go to that beach because it's tricky to find (it looks like you are walking on someone's property to get to it) but I will need to get over that because it is a fun beach for Ruby. The water is really shallow so she can have lots of fun without me having to get in with her. It is also nice and shady.Her and Asher played fetch catching poop (an acorn) for quite awhile- until Ruby got frustrated beacause Asher kept catching the "poop" first. They really have a love/hate relationship.

Tuesday afternoon I went to see the new Spiderman movie with my dad, and the 3 middle kids (Penny, Lucy and Ben). My mom was nice and watched Ruby for me. I like the Spiderman movies because they have a good mix of everything- action, romance, feelings, humor...It was a good time. I brought bowls to split up the popcorn in and my kids were so embarassed but I like them because they are easy to pour in and I don't get butter on my lap. 

Tuesday we got the bad news that Poppy Hatch was diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus. Later they determined he was stage 2 or 3 and he will need chemo, radiation and then surgery to remove it. I was supposed to go to Grace's that night but I decided to stay home because even though Tyler said he was fine, I know he was not. His dad, loopy on drugs after a test, called everyone and was giving away his stuff to them because he was sure he was already dead. He was very fatalistic. The next day he called Tyler and asked Tyler if he had promised him his truck. And then told Tyler he could not have his truck because he still needs it. Funny, not funny. This is going to be tough because his dad really is the glue that holds Tyler's family together. We are all doing a special fast for him and Leslie on Sunday.

Wednesday, the kids and Tyler all headed off to youth camp in Pennsylvania. They were pestering Ruby so it made it easier to say goodbye to them. Ruby had a Dr's appt and we had a new doctor. She was ok I guess. But she was zero help with the rash on Ruby's face. Basically she doesn't know what it is either but I should message her if it gets worse. She also had Ruby draw shapes and trace a shape she had made and really seemed to be questioning Ruby's development which felt annoying to me. I have 4 other kids and I know Ruby is right on track, if not more advanced than her sisters were. I miss dr Friedman. 

After the appointment Grace stopped by to give Ruby and me our birthday presents. She got Ruby a scribble/scrubbie cat named Jenny, a library book bag with the letter R on it and a cute book. She got me a Venice paint by number and a shirt I had wanted at Salvation Army but I hadn't gotten it because I thought was too expensive (she went back and got for me). She is so thoughtful. We had a good chat, catching up on things- it had been far too long. 

After her visit I went with my mom and Ruby to Ikea. I had bought some bowls there ages ago and I wanted to buy more so we actually have enough for our whole family. I was in luck- they had the same bowls there. Plus Ikea had given me a $10 off coupon for my birthday so I was able to get them all for really cheap. Ruby loves Ikea, but mostly because I got her ice cream after we were done shopping.

That night we went to Wendy's for dinner with Poppy because I was too lazy to cook for me and a toddler who eats very few things. Ruby true to her self wanted to go test out another bathroom but unfortunately this one traumatized her. It flushed very loudly while she was still on it. She then became very scared and traumatized of public restrooms. An unfortunate event.

Thursday we ended up meeting Julie at the beach. She had 2 other friends there that all seemed to know each other very well and it was sort of awkward for me. Ruby had some drama in the beginning with needing to pee but being too scared of the porta potty so I ended up taking her home to use our bathroom and then going back to the beach. Since I was awkward I didn't want to stay long but Ruby wished we would stay forever. It was hard to get her to leave when I didn't have a legit reason for leaving.

Thursday evening Ruby and I went to Home Goods with my parents. I was looking for blue and white bowls to complete my other set of bowls I already have, but I had zero luck. Then we went to Chick Fil A for dinner where we had more toilet drama. Ruby had to pee but she was scared it would flush on her so she refused to sit on it.  We didn't stay too long at Chick Fil A because I needed to get her home to a toilet. When we got home, as soon as I started pulling down her pants to set her on the potty, she started peeing. Most of it made it in the toilet but definitely not all of it. 

Friday morning we headed out early to go to Milford Memories. We got there at 9, a whole hour before everything opened, and parking was already filling up in our old neighborhood. We did end up finding a decent spot though, near where we parked the year before. Once parked, we walked over to the park and Poppy was a nice Poppy and played with Ruby while we waited for everything to open. Right before everything opened, I attempted to take her to the bathroom, but the nice park bathrooms were closed and they only had porta potties available. As soon as we were in the port potty she screamed so I caved and put her in a pull up. I do not like regressing but I felt there wasn't really any other option. Next we went to the kids area but she only wanted to play with the bubbles that they had. 

I enventually convinced her to go get a tattoo at the kids tent, but then she cried because she said she did not want the stars on her. Then I tried to get her to color a mask but she did one scribble and was done. She was literally no fun. Seeing what a pill she was being I decided to get her some doughnuts so maybe she wouldn't whine too much as we shopped but the doughnuts took forever to make and it felt like a poor choice.  Once we finally got shopping, she did whine and it came to a point I just gave her my phone to color on because I was tired of fighting with her. After seeing all the things, we went back to the park to get some lunch. I had an amazing grilled cheese sandwich on a pretzel bun with mustard sauce. Poppy got Ruby a strawberry smoothie and she threw it on the ground like a spoiled toddler. Half of it was lost. When she finally actually tried it, she realized it was quite tasty and regretted her actions. Right after the throwing of the smoothie her sword balloon she had got, popped on the grass. She was a disaster. After eating, it was definitely time to go home. To seal the drama of the day, her red balloon escaped to the sky while I was loading the car. The pictures below depict her cranky mood accurately.

Somehow, after all of that, she was still full of energy when we got home and asking to go play outside. I had had enough outside time and refused. Instead she ended up flitting from toy to toy, leaving piles of things behind each time. I eventually decided to just clean because I knew I wasn't going to get any rest. So she moved on from playing with toys to instead attempting to help me clean. Spoiler alert- she is not very good at cleaning. She really is a lot, all the time. 

Saturday was my 41st birthday. 41 is not super exciting so I didn't feel the need for a party but I always do like a good outing. So for my birthday, my parents, Ruby and I went to Ann Arbor. First we stopped at the Kiwanis Thrift Store. I had been there before with Grace and had some good luck finding things. This time I had a little less luck and didn't find as much. I did, however, get a fun looking puzzle and a pair of shorts for Ruby. While thrifting, I also had to deal with a Ruby who needed to pee but was scared of the public bathroom. I had to revert to the old days and hold her down while she screamed and eventually peed on the toilet. I am sure the other patrons using the bathroom were questioning my parenting. It was not fun.

After the thrift store we went to eat at Nick's Original House of Pancakes. Ruby was super wiggly and a bit of a pain but the food ended up being really yummy. I got a cinnamon apple waffle. It was basically dessert- it was do delicious! Ruby shared the waffle with me and seemed to enjoy her bites too.

Our last stop was the Creature Conservancy. It wasn't a huge place but it had some fun animals. Ruby was most excited by the turtles and a room that had lots of toys to play with. I was most excited by the sloth. I also really enjoyed their little presentation with a porcupine. I learned some new things about porcupines and it was cute to watch it waddle around. Honorable mention was the really big owl and the emu that scared Ruby. While there Ruby had to pee again and thankfully she did it without crying. Maybe it was good that I had forced her to use the toilet at the thrift store.

When we got home from Ann Arbor, Tyler and all the kids were back home. It was so nice to not be alone anymore. I am so grateful for how much they help with their little sister, Ruby. I had some lazy time and then for dinner we all went out to Kickstand Brewing Company. It is expensive but good and they always do a good job of accommodating big groups. Ben surprised us all (and himself) and ordered a huge pizza. I think he thought it was going to be a personal sized pizza. Poppy thought it was funny to watch him try to eat it all. He ended up eating half of it. It was a lot of pizza. We talked all about their camping adventures and it was a really nice dinner.

Here are some fun pictures that I was sent from the camp out. They had a lot of adventures:

Potty Training and Ruby Turns 3

Monday I decided to begin the torture of potty training Ruby. The journey ended up being just as unpleasant as it has been with other kids. We set the timer for every 15 minutes and she was pretty good about sitting and trying and reading books. She had no pees in the toilet and no accidents until I went and took Ben to the orthodontist around lunch time. When I came back I found out she had peed on the carpet. Thankfully Tyler was working at home so he helped clean it up. Ben was nice and gave Lucy a ride to her friends house so I could stay home with Ruby. While he was gone, Ruby peed on the floor again (and on a doll in her room). But she did better the rest of the day and mostly got all of her pee in the toilet. However she would start screaming and crying when she had to pee and continue to be upset while I held her on the potty. 

Tuesday I spent another day at home working on her potty training. She had an accident, but then pooped and peed on the potty for the rest of the day. But once again she would start screaming when she needed to pee and I would have to hold her on the potty. She had no problem sitting on the potty if she was just "trying" but she had a big problem when she knew the pee/poop was coming. I think she was just scared of that feeling of "letting go". Ben was my big helper again, and took the girls to meet friends at the mall while I stayed at home dealing with Ruby and all her crazy. Ben brought his friend AJ with him but the girls ended up spending 3 hours at the mall with their friends (Lucy spent $75 of her own money, and Penny $30 of her own money). Needless to say, Ben and AJ got pretty bored for that last hour. I am so grateful he took that bullet for me.

Tuesday evening I hosted book club. The book we discussed was "The Little Italian Hotel". We had 8 people there: Carli, Cherish, Grace, Sandy, Becky, Mandi, my mom and me. I don't think anyone really loved the book but it did provide for a good discussion. Carli brought homemade bread and I provided fruit. We ate and then I put on my powerpoint with facts and questions. Nerdy? Absolutely! But it keeps things from getting awkward and keeps the discussion moving- although I also think it makes me talk too much. We talked about the unrealistic aspects of the book, the frustrating characters, what might be on our own bucket lists and things that we might do when experiencing heartache. After our discussion Carli and Cherish had to go. The rest of us played BINGO (they had played Bingo in the book). Mandi won and I had a pint of gelato for her prize. She was nice and shared it with all of us and then book club ended. Grace was kind of quiet the whole time and seemed uncomfortable. I feel like the Grace I know is totally different than the one she presents to "church" people. 

Wednesday the screaming at the potty continued so by Thursday I was ready to give up on potty training. I ended up letting her pee all over the bathroom floor because I didn't want to hold her down on the potty. I felt like I was just causing her trauma. I ended up spending the rest of the morning brainwashing her with various potty training videos (daniel tiger, catie's classroom, baby shark, etc). There were some good song about being excited and proud to pee on the toilet so I started singing these with her.

At this point, I was done with not leaving the house, so Ruby and I went swimming with Kara and Amelia at their neighborhood pool after lunch Thursday. Lucy came with us which was really helpful because the water was freezing and I did not want to go in, but Lucy was willing to go in with Ruby. Lucy can be so helpful with Ruby and I really appreciate that. It was a nice outing until Ruby started screaming and then got out of the pool and peed. I awkwardly rinsed it off with cups of water. We pretty much wrapped things up after that drama. 

But that night things took a turn, I think the positive potty songs had worked because she peed for the first time without any drama. She celebrated with a popsicle.

Friday we officially turned the corner and Ruby was peeing and pooping without melting down. I am glad I didn't give up when I had wanted to. Our morning was spent with a quick outing to the park while Lucy mowed and then an errand to Costco. No accidents or drama! That afternoon Mimi came over to hang out with Penny. They were nice and played with Ruby for a bit and I had a nice chat with Nahoko when she came to pick up Mimi. She is so different as a mom of 1. Apparently she felt sad after Mimi was potty trained. I am not at all sad about not having diapers to change anymore.

Saturday Ruby turned 3! She woke up to find her presents in her new (to her) water table downstairs. Grams and Poppy came over and she got to unwrap all her gifts. She would unwrap one and then reach for the next. She was a little more excited about the process than the actual gifts. We got her the water table, a fireman pump for the water table, more kinetic sand and magnetic tiles, and a new creative Tonie (with her favorite dancing songs). Grams and Poppy Brady got her a fun tin with magnetic building blocks. Grams and Poppy Hatch got her a Minnie Mouse phone. Ben got her baby bottles for her dolls. Penny got her princess jewlery and a pink hotwheels car. And Lucy got her Dum Dums. 

She spent the morning hopping from new toy to new toy and then Tyler and I took her to the Ann Arbor Hands On Museum. The rest of our kids went to a Stake Picnic instead because that sounded like lots more fun to them. Going to the hands on Museum made me miss the days when we could go somewhere as a whole family and everyone could have a fun time. Still it was nice to have some special time with Ruby. Her favorite part was probably the room with lots of water play. She could have probably spent the whole day there. The 2nd floor of the museum was pretty loud and noisy so she didn't last too long there- although she did have some fun with some parachute guys and some magnetic tiles. We really liked the top floor because it was much less peopley and she enjoyed the things they had up there. 

On our way back from the museum we got Culvers. Then we chilled at home for a bit. That night we sang "happy birthday" to Ruby and had cake(a beach themed cake that Lucy decorated). Ruby had a hard time smiling and holding up 3 fingers. 

After cake, Poppy took everyone out for ice cream at DQ. I think it's safe to say that Ruby had a pretty great birthday