A Whole Lot of 7

January 28th was once again approaching. A little over seven years ago, the date was insignificant, but exactly 7 years ago, we got a phone call that changed our lives forever. Our tiny little girl is certainly not tiny anymore, and she deserves to be celebrated. We started celebrating 4 days early and kept the party going throughout the weekend!

Team Gilden came over for Friday night Shabbat dinner along with Nana and Zayde. We had yummy food, fun company, and a delicious sweet treat to top it off.

The next morning, we couldn't even have breakfast before we made our cupcake cones for Gabi's party later that day.


Our "cousins party" took us to The Splash Shack. It was fun to have water park fun in the middle of winter. Team Cohan left Houston bright and early to make it in time for all the splashing.

Ethan and Joey with Aunt Sandi

lovely ladies with birthday girl: Aunt Sandi, Mira, Nana, Aunt Syssa

Daddy and Spenceman splash together.

Cousins take turns on one of the smaller slides.

As folks started getting tired, the snuggles ensued.

Splash Shack Success!

Off to Torchy's Tacos for lunch (and hugs apparently):

Spencer and Jacob

Mira and Shayna

Aunt Debbie and Joey

That afternoon, Nana and Zayde gifted Gabi more art & craft projects than Gabi could hold in her hands.

As if the day hadn't been exciting enough, it was finally time for Gabi's "Lateover" Birthday Party. We started by decorating bowls for popcorn to come.

After pizza, it was time for the classic Cohen cupcake cones.

Mommy lights the candles.

Birthday Girl with Elliana and Aubrey

cute cousins Mira and Shayna

Arthur, Graham, Clementine, Spencer

school friends: Gabi, Elliana, Aubrey, Gracie

Ethan and Aunt Syssa

siblings Maven and Addison

The lateover continued with popcorn and a movie.

I had tried to keep it "small," and somehow I still ended up with a large amount of people in a small space.

After the live action "Lady & The Tramp," we turned to funny cat videos. It turned out to be very entertaining.

Lest you think we didn't celebrate Gabi enough, we surprised her the next day with an ice cream cake before the family-filled weekend came to an end.



The REAL January 28th was FINALLY, OFFICIALLY coming! At her 7-year-old well check, humongous girl measured 4' 4" (97%) and weighed 87 lbs. (99%).

Look closely to see what outfit Gabi picked for the last time she would ever be SIX.

We opened up presents right away: a light up pillow from Grandma and Grandpa!

Grandma and Grandpa also gifted a smart clock - with our encouragement. This could definitely come back to haunt us.

Gabi got new Gator gear from Gigi, a short-sleeve shirt and a sweatshirt: "In all kinds of weather, we all stick together!"

We got to bring some extra cheer to Gabi's school day not once, but TWICE!

Mommy and Daddy brought lunch and balloons.

Later, Mommy brought donuts for her whole class.

Aunt Syssa was the warm adult body at the home-front so boys could rest and Mommy could do donuts. So, naturally, she was entitled to birthday snuggles when we got back from school.

Nana and Zayde surprised Gabi and joined us for our birthday dinner out.

Some of us thought the birthday was coming to an end, but the kiddos were still going early the next morning. Thanks to the special crown Ethan made for her at school, we could party just a little longer.

Onto the next birthday kid...