Baby girl turns 7!

Yesterday saw our baby girl turn 7 years old. Nauvoo has been very excited counting down the days to her big day, letting everybody know.

The day started early, as we knew it would, Nauvoo was up with the big boys about 5:30am. Pink pancake breakfast was on the menu, dusted with fairy dust (icing sugar). A happy start to the day. Even Rakaipaka was awake.

A CTR locket was waiting for her along with some goodies, which was happily placed around her neck.

On the way to school, the fog was still thick. When I climbed out of the car to close the gate behind us, I saw this. I hope the photo's do it justice. The light streaming through the fog and trees looked really cool.

The country side around us looked like this.... (is this cooling you down in fiji??)

Nauvoo took these 2 shots

After dropping Nauvoo off to school, the boys and I were on a mission. Birthday cake time. A friend and my closest 'member' neighbour (10 min away) let us use her oven so we were off.
A few hours later we emerged with this.

Hikawera and Renata both helped put the flowers on. I was so impressed at how well they both did. Here they are pointing to one of the flowers they did. Renata even thoughtfully put a mickey mouse face on it at the bottom... see? (the pink, green and orange 3 together at the bottom).

Nauvoo requested for her birthday to be spent at MacDonalds, so we were in for a treat. The closest MacD's is a 1/2 hour drive away in Orewa. This restaurant is actually owned by our branch president..
Anyway, when we arrived some of Nauvoo's cousins were waiting. She was so excited.  The play area was warm and empty, so we soon claimed that spot. As the kids went wild in there enjoying their freedom, we ordered. The funny thing about this was that after we placed the order a voice came from the kitchen, "Is that one order?". A quick response, "Yes" found a colorful combination of words was muttered and the kitchen came alive. People from all over the place appeared to help!! (it wasn't that big of an order, the restaurant was really quiet and it was at that time a small "rush" of people decided to come in hehe) A few minutes (or so) later we were all enjoying our meal.

A the formalities of the cake, Nauvoo was given a Netball and beautiful Journal. Here are a few shots of the night.

Nauvoo with Rakaipaka and cousin Tawhaio 

Look at this face... seriously he has some funny facials!

Aunty Jacque, Hikawera and Kawea in shot with Nauvoo
looking at her gifts.

Nauvoo giving her thank you speech. Very well spoken. 

Big Brother Arama lighting up the candles. 

Our 2 girls. Nauvoo and cousin Truth.

Renata aka 'Sleeping Beauty' slept through most of the
evening, waking up with his adorable 'wake up face'
close to the end of the night. I think his eyes couldn't
believe he was in MacDonalds. What a great way to wake up!

The Macdonalds play area soon turned into a Netball court,
and you know how compedetive our kids are.. 

Dad and Nauvoo warming the ball up.

Rangikawea 'No hands mum!'

All in all a wonderful  Day for our daughter. Happy Birthday Princess Nauvoo.