Sunday was Sophie’s real birthday. I guess there’s no better way to celebrate turning eight than dedicating an entire weekend to the extravaganza! At church, her teacher wished her a happy birthday, and in Primary they sang to her and she got her gift; an entire canister full of glow-in-the-dark bracelets. I don’t know who brought these over from the States, although I have my theories, but all year long, every birthday kid has gotten one as a present. My children LOVE them. And since they knew every one would get their own tube, it was easier to share. There would always be more to play with in another week or so! What a fun and generous thing to do, Thank you anonymous gift-giver!
After church, we had raclette for lunch. Technically it’s a cold weather food, but what the birthday kid wants, the birthday kid gets in our house. It was delicious! I steamed fresh green beans and broccoli to put the cheese over, and we grilled sliced sausage on top of the machine. Yum! The original plan had been to have lasagna for dinner, but the birthday girl was still so stuffed from all the potatoes and cheese, she decided to just have sandwiches, and save the lasagna for another day.
Then it was present time! 
Since she is turning eight, there were a few traditional presents that she knew ahead of time she would be getting. One was a German Bible. She had her choice of English or German, but chose German since it is easier for her to read. We also got her her own mini hymn book for church. She loves to sing and now she never has to share the hymn book with someone else. 
A girl after my own heart, the smell of new leather has got to be one of the best scents in the world. And she kind of knew it was coming, but still wasn’t totally sure, the present from Grandma Lasko. 
Her very own scripture tote for church, complete with a cover for her new hymn book! Look at that face, she is so excited! 
It is absolutely beautiful, in her favorite colors of blue and purple.
I told the girls I was a little jealous, because when I turned 8 I didn’t get a cool bag like that, and it was my own mother who made it! 🙂 And of course, now I would need an even bigger model to hold all the stuff I have to take to church every week. Guess I better get busy sewing myself one…
Sophie opted for ice cream with hot fudge sauce in lieu of cake this year. Thank you! 
We still had birthday cake left over from the slumber party, and I needed to bake another one the next day for Alexandra’s party. That is just too much cake, but I would have baked it if she had insisted. 
The only trick with putting candles in ice cream, is the heat from the flame makes the ice cream melty and soft, causing the candles to lean at a crazy angle, bringing the flame closer to the ice cream, and causing even more melting. Speed is definitely needed to ensure the minimum amount of wax comes in contact with the birthday girl’s ice cream. I think we were pretty successful! 
Sophie was my total surprise baby, and she continues to bring me happiness and fun surprises around every corner. I love you, Sophie!
Happy Birthday Sophie! 🙂 Every time we have raclette, we think of you and miss those fun visits!