It actually happened clear back here, but here’s what we did on the big day: We got up really early to surprise her with her favorite thing: helium balloons.
(I love this little kit you can get at Walmart or Target:)
We snuck them ever so quietly up above her bed and woke her up with her first happy birthday song of the day.
We may have been even more excited than she was…but it was close.
(We have two new “daughters” to keep Ariel company.) I went to meet the birthday girl at school for lunch.
And paid a visit to the “bane of my existence” sitting proudly there in the hallway:
Yes, the squinkie machine… The one that causes tears for kids who don’t have quarters and fighting amongst those who do and want to trade and can’t. Oh, and those who willingly share their quarters and then cry because they realized they really didn’t want to share after all. I guess it’s a good money-making thing for the school but boy howdy is all I have to say about that. So needless to say, I think Lucy’s fav. gift was this:
…because it was filled with these:
(quarters) The post-lunch-line for squinkies:
(I’m serious…wow…and do you like Lu’s clip-on earrings she insisted on wearing for the big day?) I was amazed how patiently all the kids waited and how kind to each other they were. I was even more amazed when two random kids came and asked Lucy if she’d give them one of her quarters and she smilingly obliged both times. When I picked up my jaw off the ground I realized maybe the squinkie machine isn’t so bad after all.
After school Lu’s friend brought her more balloons…and a stuffed dog and flowers too.
Sweetie pie. Lucy’s birthday tradition is camping in the back yard.
It’s always different who makes it the whole night in that thing, and this year Lu was the only one who actually ended up falling asleep there. So we carried her in when we went to bed at midnight. 
She had planned her Hello Kitty rainbow cake for ages.
…and practiced blowing out candles a bunch as well.
It was her best birthday ever…. …until a few days later when she realized she didn’t get a friend party. There’s always next year.
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Wow, I am so out of the loop because we homeschool, but I would surely be furious if my kids' school had squinkie machines like that. Holy smokes, I must be getting old.
And….happy birthday to Lucy!
It was because of you that I learned about Squinkies, and my 4 1/2 year old is in LOVE with those things. They actually have allowed us lots of happy dinners out as he plays with those things!! Love all of the pics, and especially the ones of Claire and Lucy on the sidewalk with that gorgeous sun shining behind them!
My son is looking at the screen and saying, "OH! We missed her birthday? Is she real? Does she live on the other half of the world?" It's so cute. Sounds like she has an aspiring friend :).
Bobi
http://westernwarmth.blogspot.com
Happy Birthday, Lucy!! The amount of effort and love you all put into one another's birthdays is beautiful! You have a beautiful family! Your blog is very inspiring! xo
You guys sure know how to throw a party! My kids love the squinkies too. I just don't get it…
Sandy
Happy Birthday Lucy!! Looks like it was a fun birthday for her, and I love the idea of the different birthday traditions!
Lucy is a ray. of. sunshine!!!!!! All those birthday smiles of hers have blessed my day! Happy Birthday, sweet girl! And thanks for continuing to share, Shawni! xo
oh wow – so sweet. Those pictures of Lucy hugging her sister and her dad – they just made me tear up. Sweet.
What a fun birthday! I like the new chairs at your kitchen table!
I'm new to your blog, came across it last week and have loved reading your posts. Loved this one, loved the balloon idea and can't wait to try it with my son… well when he gets a little older. Thanks for your inspiring posts, you have a beautiful family.
Looks like so much fun, and she is adorable, Happy Birthday Lucy!!
How fun to see this since missed it! Give Lucy an extra little hug from us. She's looking so adorable and so….old! How did that happen?
what a FUN birthday!!!!! she is one lucky girl! i LOVE the chairs at your kitchen table! having said that, WHERE ARE YOUR BLACK ONES????? I NEED two of them if they're not gone and you want to sell them! 🙂 please let me know.
stacybenintendi@yahoo.com 🙂
Oh, your precious Lucy!! She is such a precious little angel–even though I know at times there are frustrations! That makes her normal, right? She looks like she loved her birthday and that's what matters. And I love that she shared her quarters! You have taught her well.
Happy birthday to your cute BABY girl! She is darling and it's been fun to watch her grow!
Great pix of Lucy's birthday:). I always love how excited all your family get excited about everyone's birthday.
Helium balloons are brill. I bet Lucy was excited when she saw them.
Does it get really hot in the tent even tho it's midnight?
What are squinkies? I've never heard of them. That would be a great motivational tool to get children to earn money.
Thanks for a great blog.
What a sweet idea to put all those balloons above her bed. I bet that made her day.
Happy Belated, Lucy!!! From all the Moberly kids who think you are pretty neat!
Beautiful pictures. Love the angle on the first one. Lucy is just darling. Thanks for the daily inspiration. What a sweet mom you are!
Where's the 6 or 7 things you love about Lucy?
Alicia, that's back in this post: https://71toes.com/2012/10/my-six-year-old-baby.html