ella is 10!

my oldest child is in the double digits!!! could it be true? this was a special birthday for ella, so we wanted to to something exciting for her. she never asks for anything, so we decided to update her bedroom to be more 'tween' friendly.

i'm sorry for the quality of these pictures, but they were taken at 10:30 pm the night before her birthday. we wanted to surprise her on her birthday, so we updated while she was sleeping. our kids love to have 'sleepovers' in each others rooms, so we convinced her to sleep in the boys room that night.

she had a wall of black chalkboard paint that we cleaned off and added some frames. we also decorated with some blank cd's. we really only added a new bedspread and throw pillow, but it all transformed the room in a really fun way. she LOVED it.

ella continues to be the best big sister in the world. seeing these two ride around on that scooter is about the cutest thing ever.

ella is very laid back and unassuming. she is so easy to be around and has a very calming influence.

a quick picture of ella with her sister, mother, and grandmother!

i had to include this picture because it just shows how friendly ella is. we went to get a pedicure for her birthday and there were a few other little girls there. it didn't take long for ella to befriend them all and start them in on some games. she loves people and they love her right back.

ella was in dance this spring and did such a great job. doesn't she look so sweet? the last picture is of ella with her bff/cousin romey. these two have such a great time when they are together. i'm so glad they have each other.

let me just finish by saying that the amount of good packed into this girl is unbelievable. i honestly don't know how i got so lucky to be her mother. happy birthday dear sweet ella. it's been the best 10 years of my life!