J's birthday celebration started out last night at bedtime when she asked me to read her a story from The Birthday Book. I chose The Golden Tower-a story about a Prince who goes out into the world to help those in need. "Father, the time has come when I must leave our golden home and make my way in the world, for I have seen a kingdom which is in great need." The Prince shows great courage in fighting the dragon which is terrorizing the people. In the end he wins the battle and there is a great celebration. It seemed an appropriate story for a girl entering the second decade of life.
In the morning she was greeted by this beautiful sunrise
along with paper hearts all over her bed, down the stairs and into the living room where her gifts were waiting for her. Here's a picture of J and B when J was 4 and B was about 6 months old. See his little tongue sticking out-well, some things never change!
She was also greeted by 10 floating candles, a vase full of tulips and a bunch of balloons in rainbow colors.
This was the first gift she opened.
Then a little needle felting kit. I think she's just old enough now to use a felting needle (although she did just stab herself with a pencil last night!)
And, she got the blow-up sled she wanted. Who would have known it would be so hard to find a place that sells sleds in January in VT!
She also received some chocolate truffles which she shared with a very excited B.
I then headed off to church while the kids played with their balloons and beads and wrestled. Now they're off with their dad bowling. I'll share the second half of our day and more pictures tomorrow!
Hippo Birdies to J!
We love needle felting around here, I think Ruby started when she was about 10 as well.
10 is a wonderful, amazing, sweet age - get ready for a very fun year!
Posted by: Penny in VT | 01/10/2010 at 04:46 PM
haaaaaap-py, happy birthday!!
The loot looks great! :)
Posted by: Stephanie | 01/10/2010 at 04:57 PM
GORGEOUS photos, Jane- especially of the sunrise and the candles.
Posted by: Sarah @ Amongst Lovely Things | 01/10/2010 at 05:18 PM
Happy Birthday to your sweet girl!
The sunrise picture is just amazing - what a great capture. Candles and tulips.... looks like you made her day very special :0)
Posted by: tara | 01/10/2010 at 06:05 PM
Happy birthday to J! It looks like she's having a good one. Love the spa science. :) Elizabeth's been needle-felting since just after her 8th b-day. She's stabbed herself a few times, but nothing too serious. Have fun needle-felting!
Posted by: Joy | 01/10/2010 at 06:14 PM
Wow, Happy B-day! What an incredible way to start a birthday day! Birthday wishes from all of us to J!
Posted by: Andrea | 01/10/2010 at 07:37 PM
That sounds like a very special, fun way to celebrate J's birthday! Those are some great gifts.
Posted by: Dawn | 01/10/2010 at 10:10 PM
Happy birthday! Is there just one chocolate truffle for me? :)
have a nice, nice week and fun with the birthday presents!
Posted by: Sybille | 01/20/2010 at 11:03 AM