Introduction
Well, friends, another year has spun its way around the sun here at the farm, and with it came a very special day. No, thankfully, we’re not announcing any major changes of the worrisome kind! Instead, our hearts are full as we celebrated a beautiful milestone: our sweet Indiana turned eleven!
Indie had been bubbling with anticipation for weeks, each day bringing her closer to the big eleven. Last year’s Anne of Green Gables celebration, a nod to her love of reading, set the stage for this year’s theme: books and the library. And while Indie eagerly counted down the days, Rebecca quietly orchestrated little touches to make her birthday truly magical.
The day began with a special request: breakfast in bed. Some of Indie’s dear friends, who couldn’t stay for the afternoon festivities, arrived early to share heart-shaped pancakes in her room – a sweet start to a special day. Later, a few more friends and classmates from her geography group joined us for the main celebration. I even had a little sign made, transforming our dining room into “Indiana’s Little Library” for the occasion.
The big surprise this year was a beautiful dollhouse, a cherished hand-me-down from our friends Amy and Kurt. They had built it for their own daughters two decades ago, and their generosity in passing it on to Indie touched our hearts deeply. I gave it a little refresh and set it up on a table, and it was the first thing her eyes landed on when she came into the room.
Then came the familiar joy of lit candles, whispered wishes, birthday cake, and the excitement of unwrapping presents. After the gifts were opened, the girls enjoyed some fun crafting together before heading outside. Indie proudly showed her friends the playground and introduced them to the barn animals until it was time for their parents to collect them.
As evening approached, we met my sisters and their families for dinner in town. Indie was thrilled to open a couple more gifts and spend quality time celebrating with her cousins. It was truly a special day dedicated to celebrating our special Indiana.
It feels like just yesterday we were marveling at her first steps, and now she’s eleven years old! She’s growing so quickly, reaching new heights just like her mama. Yet, thankfully, at eleven, Indie is still our little girl, her imagination alive and well as she plays pretend with her dollhouse and dolls.
I know the teenage years are just around the corner, and before we know it, Indiana will be a young woman, the days of snuggling on Papa’s lap a sweet memory. And so, we will savor each and every moment in between now and then, holding these precious times close to our hearts.
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