Ramona-bration

We've had a lot of opportunities to celebrate Miss Ramona the past few weeks. Back in March, her classmates at school nominated her to receive the Integrity Award (unbeknownst to her).

Families were invited to the assembly and grandparents were able to access live streaming of the event through the internet. It was fun to see our little Ramona pop up to accept her award when it was her turn. 

Afterward she told me she was completely surprised that she was chosen, but I am sure she deserved it. She really does try to do the right thing, especially when it comes to being a good friend.

We also recently got to celebrate Ramona turning seven years old. Some friends came over for a party the Saturday before her birthday. 

This party had a fashion runway theme--Ramona practiced strutting on our homemade catwalk before guests arrived.

We started the festivities with a craft table. It kept the girls' attention for a little while.

Paula and Mika got their own "little sister" craft table.

Paula's fashion model:

Mika's fashion model:

Ramona's fashion model:

Several girls got bored with crafting and went upstairs to find their own entertainment . . .

. . . but we lured everyone back to the kitchen with food and cupcakes.

Perhaps the highlight of the party was dressing up each girl in tissue paper (each outfit hurriedly put together by me). The girls picked out gift tissue for their skirts and lined up to have their skirts fitted and receive a toilet paper top.

Ramona in her design:

BreeAnn, April, Allegra, and Ramona ready for the runway:

For the catwalk, Ramona had the idea of using some type of special lighting. Forest attached a couple of blinking bicycle lights to the wall, so once those were going, along with some music, the runway was primed for our little fashion models.

Mika in her orange skirt:

Paula was so pleased to get her own sunglasses and necklace:

Although our birthday party invitations always say: "No need for gifts," and the party itself never has time allotted for opening presents, some friends always seem to come with gifts in tow. Ramona spent some time the following day writing thank-you notes.

She also spent some time doing this:

Here is Ramona on her actual birthday, getting ready to head out the door for school:

She got a special visit from Dad in the cafeteria that day:

Also, she came home excited about all the birthday goodies from her teacher, Mrs. Haselby:

That afternoon the sisters had a quick after-school snack before getting ready for swimming lessons. We have been going every Monday since mid-March in hopes of getting the girls more proficient by summer. Ramona and Mika are each in their own swim classes, and I go in the water together with Paula for the parent-child class.

After this set of swimming classes, we met Forest at a nearby McDonald's for a celebratory birthday dinner.

He brought Ramona a Star Wars balloon, as requested. Paula saw it and started making her famous Chewbacca noises.

Back at home, Ramona finally got to open her gifts. Mika stood by her side the entire time and Paula enjoyed trying to scavenge through presents received.

Star Wars Episode Seven!

Ramona admiring some paper butterflies made by Mika

Card from Mika

She just needed a little help with spelling but wrote all the words herself

For dessert, I got away with serving leftover cupcakes instead of baking a big cake. But we made sure there were sprinkles and seven candles.

Ramona's balloon, "stuck to the ceiling," as described by Paula

Dear Ramona,
    I am so glad you are part of our family. You are such a vibrant, enthusiastic girl, bringing a spark of life to the Dixon party. This past year you have learned a lot of new things and done a lot of growing up. Going to school full day for first grade was a difficult transition because you missed being home and playing with your sisters, but now you are doing a great job balancing school time with home time. You've picked up several dance moves at your ballet class, started reading chapter books, switched from baths to showers, learned lots of new songs on the piano, and are becoming a better swimmer. You still give me a hug when you get off the bus from school and sometimes even hold my hand as we walk to our house. You love your sisters and are so excited to meet your little brother--I am pretty sure you put your hands on my belly and talk to him more than anyone else in our family. I am so proud of all your accomplishments and the person you are becoming.

We love you Ramona!
Love
Mommy