10th Birthday (part 2)

 Well, what would a 10 year old girl wish to do on the morning of her birthday? How about open her presents in her jammies?  

Beth Marie always wants to wake up to her presents on the morning of her birthday... She doesn't want to know how many presents she'll have, or even what kind of wrapping paper... She wants it all to be a surprise on her birthday morning. (Must take after her daddy.  Her Mommy can't stand surprises...) 

 Somebody else was also excited to open presents.  Gretchen had her nose in every one sniffing for something good.  She knows good things come in presents.  She didn't have any presents of her own (because it wasn't her birthday) but we did hide treats in a couple of the presents. Opening her Hayden doll (can you tell it was her favorite present?) 

(no acting, of course...) We then went to Rochester for a light lunch, and to pick up her birthday cake: 

(a chocolate carrot cake from Daube's . . .  They are the best. cake. ever.)

The cake was deposited at home, and then we ventured up to the Twin Cities for the day.

Beth wanted to visit the James J. Hill house. 

We enjoy touring mansions together, and Mike and I had visited this one without her.  (It's not unusual for Mike and I to see something and then visit a second time with Beth.)

After a leisurely tour of the grounds, we went to Mall of America for supper and shopping before heading home for cake.

Happy 10th year Beth Marie!  Your birthday is behind you, but I pray that you have a wonderful year ahead.  I love living life with you.  You are a precious companion.  It's so amazing to watch you grow--you're becoming such a beautiful young lady.  I am so thankful for the privilege of being your Mom.  I pray that our God will protect you, and preserve you, and guard your heart for Himself...I pray that you will see His goodness in all things, and that your heart will overflow with joy and gratitude...and I pray that you will allow His Spirit to teach you, and that you will walk in truth.  I love you Boo!