Piper's GOLDEN Birthday

It was easy coming up with the theme for Piper's birthday this year.  Apparently it is called a "golden" birthday when your age in years matches the number of the day you were born.  Since Piper turned 9 on the 9th, we got into the golden spirit!  We sewed Golden tutu's for her and her friends to wear (which also made it nice for finding them at the ice arena), put Gold candles on her cake, and had Gold balloons and decorations.  She even got a gold sparkly "birthday girl" shirt to wear from her auntie Stacy.

Inspired by the Winter Olympics, a Girl Scout Ice Skating outing, and her friend Madison,  Piper decided she wanted to take ice skating lessons, which prompted the ice skating themed birthday party.  She got brand new ice skates for her birthday that she got to wear to the party.  Her sisters got lessons and new skates too, but we splurged more on Piper's.  Aunt Marcy got Piper the gloves and beanie to keep her warm during lessons.

Piper has been her usual spunky self this year.  We love that she gets so excited about stuff, is willing to try new experiences, is helpful, and is a kind friend.  At school she helps her teacher and friends, and at home she is willing to do chores that help the household out.

She is a good sport about things out of her control and tries to make the best of situations.  She has been a good big sister to Marissa even though she'd rather have her own room.  Despite the sometimes annoying orthodontic expander in her mouth, she makes the best of it and knows it will be for the best in the end.

Piper loved soccer again this year and is into playing with Shopkins and American Girl dolls.

Stats--
 Height: 52.25" (2.25" growth)
 Weight:  66.5 lbs (7.5 lbs gain)
 Piper started wearing deodorant this year.

I sewed the gold tutus and used the embroidery feature on my new machine to put "Friendship is Golden" on each one.

...and gold glitter is found at home and in the car for months after her golden birthday.