Mikaela's birthday had a Hawaiian theme this year which was really fun and lifted our spirits despite the 3 feet of snow in our yard. We've started the tradition with our older kids of starting their birthday with a special gift of something they have to wear all day or else face the dreaded birthday spankings. Mikaela received a flowered head-dress as well as a lei and bracelet. We also decided to be extra-silly and give ourselves Hawaiian names for the special day. Mikaela was Prnicess Kiwi, Mikenzy was Bananas, Mikah and Mikalister were Sand and Water and I was Mapoopoo. The girls also had a couple friends and their family join them for supper - Coconut and Volcano added to the fun. We served the kids a Silly Supper and they ordered off a delightful menu at the Aloha Café. Mikaela's favorite was the hot lava special (a fruit smoothie).
Mikaela was pretty tired by the end of the night and was ready for bed when we realized we still needed to get to the presents - she was pretty excited to come up and find a new bike in the living room. She got her first bike with gears! She really outgrew her kids' bike last year but she made it last through the fall anyway - until the chain continually kept falling off and tearing up her pants - do you know it causes big wrecks when your pants get stuck in your chain!? Who knew! Good thing she's tough! She loves her knew bike.
