Happy Birthday to Our Oldest Baby

This week, our daughter celebrated a birthday. With Covid-19, it was a much different birthday than she had planned when she first started counting down at Christmas. We are quarantined at home and instead of a big family and friend party, she got her family of 5. Instead of seeing everyone in person, she got cards and calls and video chats. Instead of heading to spend her birthday at school and then celebrating with us at night on her actual birthday, she got a full day at home (with no school because we did that day's work beforehand).

It was the best time ever. The best. My husband even took off work so we all spent the whole day together. Payton said it was her best birthday.

I didn't even take very many pictures or know where my phone was most of the time. It was just that good of a day.

Happy Birthday Sweet Girl! You will never know how loved you are. I am so thankful for your thoughtfulness, kindness, and love. You are our mother hen, the greatest big sister, my right hand, and are constantly reminding me of serving others as God calls us to. Thank you for being you.

Instead of getting a big birthday party complete with a big birthday cake, we made our cake together, used previous cake decorations, and made the most of the situation. You know what Payton said? That's great because I have a dress to match the Minnie decorations. Payton, you seriously make the most out of any situation and are the happiest with whatever you get.

Our cake. No where near perfect, in fact I think I need to take a decorating class. But, it was perfect for our day and we all think it's our new favorite recipe!

We asked friends and family to send cards and, wow, did they pull through. We got so many cards that we lost count. So many people took the time to write letters, send special drawings they made, and created handmade cards. Payton loved getting the mail so much! The mailman actually got so excited for her he started bringing the mail straight to her instead of leaving in the mailbox. He loved seeing her light up and declare how excited she was for mail!

This was one of the cards sent, where Payton could color her own birthday picture! We are so blessed to have heard from so many!

We also took some time to complete a quarantine memory packet that I thought should be shared in this post to help remember this time. 

We are safe at home and totally loving life!

Happy Birthday, Payton! We love you so, so much and thank God for you every day!