Happy Birthday, Olivia!

On Saturday night we took Olivia out to celebrate her birthday since her birthday is on Tuesday and we are going to be busy with school, work and everything "regular." We wanted to be sure to celebrate out girl turning 8 years old! Of course, of all the places she could go to for dinner she chose The Rainforest Cafe. It is both girls' very favorite place for celebrating birthdays, or to just go for a meal. Sofia wanted to go to Rainforest for her birthday lunch this year and Grandma and I took her and Olivia there but without a reservation it was over a 2 hour wait. We were all starving already and we couldn't imagine waiting that long, so we headed out and went to another favorite of Sofia's: In-N-Out Burger for lunch. So, this time, we made reservations for a birthday dinner.

We arrived early for our 6pm reservation and the girls were begging to poke through the Rainforest Cafe gift store. We convinced them to wait until after when we'd have more time. We got sat near the tigers, which is where we generally are sat, ironically. CK and I reminisced about celebrating Sofia's birthday years ago when Olivia was maybe 2 years old and Olivia freaked out each time the jungle animals "came alive." It ended up being a long dinner! Now, of course, Olivia loves when the animals come alive and that's her favorite part. Olivia colored her menu and Sofia read her book while we waited for their dinners to arrive. Of course both girls ordered the mac-n-cheese, which they absolutely love. They also walked around the restaurant when the animals came alive. They just love everything about the animals.

After we were done eating, CK wanted to check on the University of Florida basketball game that was being played, so he headed into the bar to watch for a few minutes while the girls and I explored the gift shop. They love everything that place has to offer, and this was no different. Olivia found an exact match to her beloved Giraffey! It was so cute, but I convinced her that she didn't need another one competing with her lovey. CK told her if she found one thing she really liked, that could be one of her birthday presents, so she continued looking. She found this super cool glass giraffe that was on a light, so it would light up from the bottom. It was so beautiful and unique. CK was more than happy to buy it for Olivia and she plans to use it every night at bedtime. She was so excited.

We got home to sing Happy Birthday and to eat some delicious birthday cake and ice cream! Olivia then opened a few gifts and received more in the following days from Sian, Aunt Becky and Aunt and Uncle. What a fun way to celebrate our sweet (almost) 8 year old!

Our girl sure loves giraffes!

The birthday girl and tigers.

Working on a little coloring while waiting for our dinner.

Swigging root beer like a champ!

Sofia reading a book, of course.

Our dinner companions!

Exploring the Rainforest Cafe gift shop.

Hanging out on the giraffe stool at the bar.

Happy Birthday, Olivia!

Getting ready for a delicious piece of birthday cake!