A Pink Birthday!

Galina's birthday was yesterday.  It was a very special day since it was the first birthday that we have spent  with her.  We decided to keep it a family event.

The day began with us making the bestest cupcakes ever.

I stirred mint extract and red dye into the vanilla frosting and the girls frosted the cupcakes.

Then we topped them with crushed candy canes.

Oh my, were these the bomb!

For dinner we got Chinese food.  I took the birthday girl along with Sveta, Annalyn, and Paul to pick it up.

We had some fun cruising in the parking lots waving to people and screaming "Hi!"

At first Paul did not think this was very much fun at all-- but near the end I saw some enjoyment.

Galina of course had lots of fun!

The kids got lots of chopsticks.  It was fun to watch them eat with them.

Anastasia's way is quite original don't you think?

The girls used the extra chopsticks as hair accessories.

Happy birthday Galina! What a beautiful young lady you are!

Dennis made a homemade card.  It made so much more sense when he read it.

Galina got her handmade treasure chest from Grandma and Grandpa filled with treasures.

Galina got pink pancake mix with chocolate chips to match her pink, fuzzy jammies.

After opening presents, John took Galina out to Starbucks for Daddy-Daughter time.

Later in the night, all the girls had a slumber party and watched movies.

This is them early this morning.  A few of the girls went to their bed in the middle of the night-- I guess nothing beats their cozy bed.

Happy 13th birthday Galina!

We are so blessed to have you as our daughter!