We celebrated our girl for a whole week! Coco's birthday week was busy but I hope by the end of it, she felt how loved she is by her family and friends.
Girls Night:
Instead of a friends party, Cora and her birthday buddy Haven chose to do a shopping trip at the mall and fun dinner out together. The girls shopped, chose several matching jewelry items and cleaned up at Bath and Body Works. We had a delicious dinner at Cheesecake Factory and finished the evening with some ice cream.
Sunday September 24th:
The day before her birthday was Cora's big birthday celebration. She got to open all of her family gifts....
I love giving Cora gifts! She's always so excited to open them and makes the best faces!
Some of her favorite gifts were athletic wear, dance wear and skin care. Who is this big girl??
Another hit gift was an LED name sign for above her bed!
The boys got her a silly card and gift card.
Her face reading the card from the bros.
Ready for dinner!
Cora chose Ruth's Chris Steakhouse and it was delicious.
We came home and ate yummy cake....
and sang to our precious Coco Bean!
Monday September 25th:
Cora's actual birthday started out with donut holes for breakfast
and two big boxes of donuts for her class.
Thank you O'Connor fam for the gift card, earrings and headband. The best part of any birthday is always the cousin FaceTime though.
FaceTime with Grandma was also so fun. Cora loved her shimmery face sunscreen and "CORA" necklace.
A visit from Grammy and Grampy capped off the birthday fun! Cora enjoyed getting a necklace she'd asked for plus some fun lotions and skincare items. :)
FaceTime with Emmett, a sweet card and check from Linda (not sure why I didn't get a pic of that), getting out of school for dance on her birthday, sweet gifts from dance friends, bringing Ring Pops for her dance team, having her team sing to her and a spa night with her besties Haven and Maya finished off an amazing birthday week.
Precious 11 Year old Coco:
As you enter this year, I know you're going to grow up so much. You are leaving behind dolls and coloring and are getting in to skincare, clothes, jewelry and even the occasional talk of a boy. You have met the challenge of 5th grade like a champ. School doesn't always come easy but you work so hard and it makes your successes so much sweeter. Dance continues to be your passion and your dedication is inspiring. You have worked so hard over the last year to learn new skills, straighten your knees, point your toes and jump higher. I've loved watching your joy as your hard work has paid off. You are always willing to take care of your brothers by making them food on a busy night or cleaning up after them. Even though you act like they drive you crazy, you idolize them. You continue to faithfully pray for all who ask you for prayer. You never miss a day. You made the choice to be baptized this year and I love seeing your faith grow from that. You are tough on the outside but sensitive on the inside. You are fiercely loyal. You are tall (5 feet) and your curls, now waves, still represent your personality so beautifully. You challenge me in good ways, Coco Bean! I hope and pray that you continue to find your worth and beauty in who you are in Jesus.
Love you much, Sis!
