my little brooklyn is 7! 7!!! my goodness, i'm not sure how...
she was so excited for her birthday...
and she's so fun to celebrate because she gets so excited about everything!
she requested waffles for her birthday breakfast and i gladly obliged.
she had big plans for her birthday and we tried to accommodate all of them. first stop: seven peaks!
right after we got home and she got dressed and ready for the day, her nana picked her up to take her birthday shopping. she loved it and was so excited! she got to pick out some things that she's so excited about.
afterwards we lunched at her favorite spot, pizza pie cafe.
with full stomachs and james and i aching for a nap, we were off to boondocks. she and kendall couldn't get out to the bumper boats faster! adi was a little sad this year that she didn't get to participate.
brooklyn is tall enough to drive the little race cars and she was pumped for this. a tiny bit nervous at first, but then she got the hang of it and drove very responsibly. james and i were shocked! she thought it was the greatest thing to get to 'drive' on her 7th birthday.
meanwhile, i took the girls in to 'play some arcade games'. they had a blast running from game to game.
the fun didn't stop there, lagoon was next. she really wanted to go to lagoon with her aunt chelsea, who she shares a birthday with. that also meant that i grant chelsea her birthday wish, to ride cannibal with her. if you know me, you know i'm not a brave thrill seeking person. but i did it without question and we had a blast on the ride. you're welcome chels!
brooklyn wanted to ride her favorite ride with chelsea as the last thing we did before heading home for the night. lady bug bop always makes her so happy!
p.s. she thought the birthday festivities continued for her the next night at our weekly neighborhood movie night. she loves these movies and looks forward to them every friday. this particular night was bedknobs and broomsticks.
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My Dearest Brooklyn Jayde,
Happy Birthday Sweetheart! I can't believe you're 7 years old. I'm so proud of the young woman you've become! You are such a caring and sweet sister and Keni and Adi both look up to you so much. They adore you! We all do. You have brought a special light into our lives and you have made us all want to be better people. We couldn't have asked for anything more in a daughter. I remember when you were born and holding you in my arms for the first time. You were perfect! Your Mom and I had worked so hard to get you here and we were truly overwhelmed with gratitude and appreciation to finally have you here.
I think back now to the many wonderful memories we shared. You LOVED "What Makes You Beautiful" by One Direction, when you just tiny. We'd watch that music video over and over again in our front room in our small Taylorsville apartment and you would get the biggest grin on your face and you'd just dance and dance! To this day I see your cute little face every time I hear that song and I always smile. The song also reminds me of your beautiful Mother. I don't think she has any idea just how special she is to you and I and just what a gorgeous and amazing woman she is. You take after her in those regards, so help me show her. I take her for granted some times and I'm far from the best example but you seem to naturally think of others and do thoughtful things for them. You will make an amazing wife and mother someday and it will bring more happiness and joy than you could ever have imagined!
Brooklyn, you have such a tender heart and care so much about your family. You know that I struggle to always control my temper and I want you to know that I'm not proud of the times that I have allowed my emotions to get the better of me. However, I pray with all my heart that you'll continue to be patient and understanding, as I work hard to do better. I know it's hard to see sometimes but I have grown and made progress in that area, especially over the past few years as you've helped me to see the real impact of my weakness on you and our family. I'm grateful for your example and the lessons you've taught me. I'm also grateful for the Atonement of Jesus Christ, which makes real change possible. I have cried myself to sleep many times, filled with regret and disappointment in how I've handled situations poorly. I have also felt the peace, comfort, and hope that have come from our Savior as He has helped me learn and grow to be better. Brooklyn, thank you so much for being so kind and patient and supportive and loving me so much in spite of my weaknesses.
I testify to you that our Savior and Older Brother, Jesus Christ, sent you to our home for a reason. He sent you to us to teach and bless our lives every bit as much as for us to teach and bless you! I know His plan for us includes happiness and never-ending joy, which is why he's given us so many guidelines and safety nets to follow, maximizing our opportunity to be successful. He will give us EVERY chance, ALWAYS. He loves you and always will. Keep the commandments Brooklyn. Continue to be a good example to your sisters and your Mother and me. You have an inner strength and potential that will continue to bless all our lives. I love you more than I could ever say and I always will, no matter what sweetie! Please always know that. You can talk to me about anything and I promise you, eventually, I'll understand and receive inspiration from our Father in Heaven on how I can help you. It was such a fun day remembering and celebrating that special day you were born 7 years ago!
With all my heart 
,
Daddy
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