Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Happy Birthday Leni!!!



We had quite the celebration for our Leni this year. We can't believe that 7 years have gone by so quickly. We began with a family party on Saturday, Nim's Island theme, complete with lizards and frogs and a big girl sleepover. Daddy created some fun games for the kids and Mommy made her famous caramel cake. Best buddy Alexis came over for the fun too! On Tuesday, her actual birthday, Mom Jo took us to lunch at Leni's favorite place, Cracker Barrell, where she enjoyed fried shrimp and chocolate cobbler! The waitresses sang a special song to her. After lunch, Leni, Kristin, and Julie went to see Space Chimps, a movie that both girls had been begging to see. It was perfect for our little monkeys. Grandpa and Grandma brought dinner and dessert over that night to celebrate with Leni. Texas Chocolate Cake is also a favorite among the VanLue's. Leni had the best time celebrating being 7!

We are extremely blessed to have Leni in our family. As our first adopted child, Leni came to us at 7 months old and already had experienced hardships that most of us will never have to endure. We have watched her grow and change from a shy little baby who wouldn't even smile into a energetic, compassionate 7 year old who LOVES animals and her family. All of us were brought to tears watching her open gifts and be surrounded by family, knowing that without God's sovereign power to rescue her, she would have never had a family, much less birthday parties. Leni, we adore you. You are a great source of laughter in our house, and you have such a compassionate and caring heart. We can't wait to see what God will do in your life in the years to come. Thank you Lord for this precious little girl and for the gift that she is to us. Thank you for guarding her life and protecting her heart. Leni your forever family loves you so much!!!! Happy Birthday!!!

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