Dagny turned 9 yesterday. Since her family has had a busy couple of days, she had kind of a quiet birthday and will celebrate at Heritage Square with a few of her friends today. But at 2 o’clock, Addie – who was visiting me – got a telephone call from Dagny.

“You and Nana are invited to attend my tea party at 3 o’clock,” she said in her delightfully loveable voice.

We accept, Addie told her.

When we arrived, she had set a little table and had prepared some goodies, including deviled eggs, cucumber sandwiches, tiny PB&J sandwiches, and a pretty fruit plate. So Dagny, her two sisters, her mom, and I enjoyed a lovely afternoon tea.

Later that evening, Papa and I joined the rest of the family at a dinner celebrating Dagny. She picked the menu, so of course we had steak and pork and potatoes. Her mother apparently told her she needed to pick a vegetable, and she chose cauliflower. Cupcakes for dessert, vanilla of course. A vehicle to hold a candle to honor my favorite 9-year-old.

Dagny and Grandma Lynne and many presents

Dagny makes me smile every time I see her.

Dagny proudly showing off her ant farm, which PROMPTLY went outside.

Addie and Papa play catch in the street. No broken windows. Or bones.