Annika has a party at MOA

Last Friday, Annika had the chance to meet two of her friends at Mall of America park to ride some rides and celebrate her birthday. We arrived there around 10 a.m. and we stayed until after 3 p.m. The kids had a blast riding all the different rides. My little daredevil was very disappointed when we left because she wasn't able to ride the "big" roller coaster. Jon was there and he did take her on the swings but he was not interested in trying to keep her safe on a rollercoaster. I think in some ways he was afraid that she would get upset on the ride and he didn't want that. She wouldn't though because she just loves it all.
Anyway, her present from her friend Noah was a Volcano cake at the Rainforest cafe. She loved it. She kept trying to blow out the sparkler that they had on the cake!!! Also just checking out all the different animations inside the cafe kept her busy. She hardly had time to eat her cake. Of course, Noah was glad to help her out and so none of the cake went to waste.
It was great being at the park and being able to just stand and watch the kids ride. The last time I was there we had to ride the rides with them because they were too small to ride without a chaperone. Now Annika would tell me to that she wanted to "ride all by herself". Denise, Noah's mom, was going to ride along on the merry go round but Annika told her that she couldn't do that. She needed to go stand and watch. Where did my little girl go?

Annika's birthday and anniversary of her implants

Well, my little princess is now 7 years old. I can't believe it. What's even more amazing is that she has had her implants for 5 years now. We actually had her birthday party yesterday on her CI anniversary date. She has been on a virtual high since her birthday on Friday.

She had me write a note to the teachers (I had to write an excuse slip for one of her brothers) and she dictated to me what to write. It said "Annika is bringing cupcakes to school today for her birthday. Please give her a high five for her birthday today." I sent it and everyone got a laugh from it. It was special as Allen and I both dropped her off for school on her birthday so we were able to say goodbye to her on her birthday in her classroom. She had therapy sessions in the afternoon at the local hospital and from the session that I observed she did not get much accomplished. She was just too excited to do any work. Oh to be young again and excited for her birthday.

She had her birthday party yesterday and she had a blast. She had a house full of company and let's just say that the "queen" was holding her court. She helped me put together her treat bags to send home with the kids. She made each bag special for each child. It was neat to watch her.

Now I am sending her to school today. Hopefully things will settle down and she can get back to normal and settle down. She has had a bad couple of weeks because of illness and seizure activity so we are hoping that this week will be better for her. We know that she is definitely feeling better. We just have to wait to hear from the school audiologist to see if the fluid behind her ears settles down or we will have to take her back to see the ENT.

Hope you had a great 7th birtday Annika!!!