Happy Birthday, Vera!

Vera was just so excited to turn six.  After all, she is the youngest person in her classroom this year.  She has several classmates who are already seven, so turning six was a long time coming for Vera.  Adam took the day off work as a surprise for Vera's big day.  She was so happy to see him, and she was equally excited about wearing a dress to school to help celebrate her special day.

Vince loves to follow Vera's lead, even in birthday pictures at 6:45 am.

She received so many nice cards in the mail, and was excited to open them up.  She loves getting mail!

Birthday cards and cash.  So exciting!

We went to Best Bite for Vera's birthday supper, at her request.  It was Mexican night at the restaurant, so we enjoyed tacos, which happens to be one of Vera's favorites right now.  The kids' behavior was mediocre in the restaurant.  Weeknights and going out to eat don't always mix well, but we tried to make the most of it.  After eating, it was time for cake and presents...

Vera and I sat down and looked at Pinterest for cake ideas.  We saw a rainbow cake and rainbow cupcakes.  Here's the fruit of my labor.  Vera was really excited to wake up to this cool cake on the morning of her birthday.

So happy!

Everyone had to have a hand in the gift opening...

...which led to fighting...

...and tears.

Vera came home on her birthday with this little note in her folder.  She said Reece found her before school started and gave her this note.  It was such a sweet gesture, and a nice reassurance that Reece and Vera (and Ryan, Max and Karly) will always be buddies.

Grammy and Papa stopped by around Vera's birthday and brought her a birthday surprise. 

And, when we celebrated Easter at Grandma and Grandpa Otte's, we had a cake and a little celebration.

 Happy Birthday, Vera Lou!