Happy 7th Birthday Elliana

Happy Birthday Ellie girl!

Count 'em up...the big 7!

Ellie picked Lookout Ridge, an indoor playground, to celebrate with her friends.

Due to a last minute business trip to Colombia for my brother Spencer, we were lucky to have Aunt Julia, Liam, and Ellie's newest cousin, Amelie, in town unexpectedly for the birthday party.

Ellie had buddies from both church (Kate) and school (Lacey).

And also her best bud from our old neighborhood, Kennedy.

And she gave lots of hugs to everyone, including her school friend Hailey.

About Elliana....
-Ellie is organized, independent, and responsible.
-She is a great helper and big sister
-She loves, loves, loves soccer and is amazing for her age. She has an incredible determination, competitiveness, and natural athletic ability that makes it super fun to watch her on the soccer field. She has played year-round with kids much older than her with few breaks between sessions. She also tried basketball this year, and it is clear she is one athletic little girl.
-We learned that not only does Ellie have Fructose Malabsorption, but is also lactose intolerant as well. Understanding this has helped a lot with her tummy issues, but has done little for her stubborn mouth sores. We have put her through all kinds of medical tests, seen all kinds of doctors, and tried all kinds of diets and still have not improved things too much. Hopefully, someday we will get to the bottom of it, so she can be more comfortable and not be in so much pain all the time. She missed a great deal of school again this year and the school nurse, her teacher, and I chat several times a week. Poor, poor baby. Overall, there is great improvement over last year though, so that is encouraging.
-Ellie is the first one up in the house each morning, and by the time anyone else is awake, she is completely ready for school -- including breakfast eaten, lunch made, teeth brushed, and backpack packed up and ready to go! Not bad for age 7!

I love this girl!!