jeneva's birthday and the beginning of first grade

A few weeks ago, we entered a drawing at the library for State Fair tickets. We won them, so we went on Jeneva's birthday. We joined up with the Knight family. Ava and Jeneva are quite the pair! It was fun seeing them walk hand in hand through the fair and ride on the rides together. We got there early in the morning (love the park-n-ride system) and stayed until about 1:00. We didn't last too long. Steve was going on zero sleep and the crowds were starting to affect my mental state.


Jeneva's birthday celebration consisted of the State Fair in the morning and an un-official impromptu birthday party in the evening. We had invited Uncle Mike, Aunt Megan, and Uncle Matt over for a low key gathering involving cake in the evening. However, two neighbor friends showed up so we told them to stay. Also, the Malley's and the Carlson's called earlier in the day asking if they could stop by with a gift. We told them they might as well stay and enjoy some cake too. Hey, a birthday celebration that I didn't even plan.

I forgot to take a picture of the cake. Go figure. We made cupcakes in ice cream cones topped with pink frosting and sprinkles. Perhaps you can just imagine what it looked like.


Jeneva started first grade on Monday. It's going very well so far and she is enjoying it. Her teacher for this year was her assistant teacher last year. Lee Laoshi (pronounced "lousher") is her name. Laoshi means "teacher" in Chinese. Last year her teacher was Yang Laoshi and we adored her. We're praying for a good fit again this year for her. She has homework (math and Chinese language arts) every night....which was assigned on the first day of school. Hard core!

So, this is the start of a big year for Jeneva. First grade and age seven. It's hard to believe it was that many years ago we brought home our little pink bundle from the hospital.

"May the Lord bless you and keep you (in the year to come). May the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you (every day!). May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace (always). Amen!"

Jeneva Rae, love you girlie!