Natalie is 9!

Right after we got home from Thanksgiving, it was birthday time!  Natalie turned 9.  We couldn't fit in the typical getting of the Christmas tree and decorating on her birthday this year but we did it the day after.  Also, I had to sing at a RS dinner the night of her birthday so we celebrated early and then I snuck out for a bit while everyone watched a movie.  I think she had a fun day.

It started with her birthday breakfast of pancakes.  Then it was off to school.  She brought in those coconut chocolate-covered almonds from Costco for her class.

She requested a yellow cake with chocolate frosting and chocolate shavings.

This is what I came up with:

Luckily, you couldn't tell that I completely broke the cake trying to get it out of the pan.  

She had requested beef tacos for dinner (nice and easy this year) so we ate that and then she opened her presents:

She had pretty high expectations for her birthday this year but I was happy to see that she seemed pleased with her presents, even if she didn't get some of the big-ticket items she was hoping for.

She loved a big blue blanket she got, a big new pack of crayons, some books, a new dress, a candy gram from her brothers, and spending money to pick out some things she wanted.
I got to take Natalie on her birthday lunch date this year and we had a blast at a local ice cream shop:

It was so fun spending that time with her.

Natalie adds so much to our family.  It's impossible to imagine life without her.  Right now, Natalie loves animals, playing in the snow, the Warrior cat books, singing, playing with her neighbor friends, food of all kinds, running around barefoot (in freezing weather), and Studio C.  She has become quite obsessed with Studio C in particular and watches it any time she is allowed to play on the computer.  She still doesn't like video/computer games much so that's how she spends her time.  She has watched every single video they've made and she can quote them pretty well.  She often says she'd like to be a chef, a professional taste-tester, or a comedian when she grows up.  She definitely keeps our family laughing.  

She is still doing well in school.  She is in a gifted and talented class this year and seems to be thriving there.  We're excited for her to have another shot at the spelling bee coming soon since she is still a great speller.  She is a great writer and loves science.  She does very well in math, too.  She has a quick mind and because of that she talks very quickly and sometimes has to be asked to slow down when she's talking.  She's very good at reading aloud and public speaking.  She is kind, confident and fun to be around and we sure love her!