Payton's 13!

How did this happen so quickly? I feel like I just gave birth, and now, both my babies are teenagers!

We did have quite the celebration! For Landon's 13th birthday, I came up with the idea of solving a riddle for a city wide scavenger hunt.  I really wanted to make sure they would always remember their 13th birthday. I ended up having so many ideas (and fun!) planning it, it turned into a two day affair.

To say Payton couldn't wait for her 13th birthday, is an understatement! ;) She's been biting at the bit waiting for her two days of fun!!  Payton is all about family, food and fun! It's always so easy to plan for her. All she wants is to be together with her family, be active outside and have lots of sweet treats!  

 Here are a few photos of the big 13 celebration. 

Happy 13th Birthday, my Shnookums! (I will forever remember making this number "13" decoration - it is etched into my kitchen table for life. Oops! Next time, I'll be more careful with the utility knife!)

Morning of day 1 

Day 2:  We rode our bikes to get bagels - one of Payton's favorite things to do. (Oh, how I miss the bike trails in Germany!...riding so close to traffic stresses me, and in return - I stress my family.)  Sorry, all!

 We played a round of miniature golf and then hit the batting cage (no pun intended!).  As you can see, God blessed Payton with a beautiful day! Oh, how I love the winters in Tucson.

 Even though we had just returned from NM for Thanksgiving, and she got her fill of horse riding - she still got her traditional birthday horse ride.

 I made all her favorite appetizers, and we watch Tim Hawkins latest DVD.  The perfect end, to a perfect day. ;)

 This year I didn't "try" and create a theme cake. Instead, she requested a chocolate-chip pound cake with homemade hot fudge. If it sounds like a billion calories....it's because, it is! Keep in mind, her birthday is after Thanksgiving and before Christmas!  Yikes!!!

 I had fun making her special decorations. :)

 Daddy buys her roses every year for her birthday, and I made a montage with words that describe her.

This was one of her favorite gifts. I bought 13 (small!) bags of Hot Cheetos. She literally squealed with delight. 

She also got her ears pieced! (I really didnt think she'd go through with it. Payton doesn't like unnecessary pain.) 

We all presented her with a letter we wrote to her (some of us had a hard time getting though it, right Max?).  It was real special. Especially her brother's letter.  (I will pull it out as a reminder next time they fight!) ;)

  Our sweet Payton, you are a precious gift from God, and we love you sooooo very much!        

       Happy 13th birthday, Shnookums!!!