Celebrating A Sunset And A Birthday

Thursday I stopped the car on the country road that is near our house to snap this sunset. 

We were on the way to piano lessons and this was to pretty to pass up. 

After I took the picture I glanced into the rear view mirror and reminded the girls that "sometimes you just need to stop and take a picture of what's in front of you."

Zoe turns 9 on Tuesday so birthday extravaganza began on Friday. 

I made cookies and some other snacks in preparation for Saturday's party. 

Zoe has an Art Theme this year. 

This is my attempt at a paint palette cookie. 

The Arty Party was Saturday and it was fun!

I've cheated here on the "photo of the day" and added "photoS of the day!"

We had the party at the Decatur Area Arts Council and they provided a magnificent space and a great teacher. 

She taught the kids an hour of art instruction in oil pastels and then we had pizza, opened gifts, and played art bingo.

Zoe invited a few friends from school and her cousins.

So. 

Much. 

Fun!

Sunday we had a family party. 

Aunts, Uncles, Grandpa and Grandma, and cousins. 

Zoe wanted a cookie cake this year. 

We were all very, VERY impressed by what Mrs. Field's Cookies at the mall created for her. 

Zoe is wearing a birthday gift created for her by her cousin Hanna, an infinity scarf in her school colors.