Payton's Birthday

 Happy Birthday to my oldest! It is so neat that my youngest and oldest have a birthday in the same month. I love it. It is just so bittersweet. And busy, really we go from one birthday celebration to the next and Easter is always squeezed in there somewhere. So it goes, this life may be busy but I would choose it over and over again.

                                              

Payton, you are just the sweetest. You made us parents and we feel like we have learned so much more from you than we could ever teach you. Our forever mother hen who always gravitates towards the children. Also, she loves chickens (and we used to always have the chicken clothes to prove it). Our responsible child who always has a book or two (ahem, 10) checked out and reading. A lifelong learner who dreams of becoming an engineer.  You are a true delight. We are amazed by you daily and can't wait to see where life takes you.

This year Payton did a movie, pizza, and hot tub party. She kept asking me the theme and I truly thought that was the theme. In any case, it went on without an issue. The weather was great, despite several storms and gloomy days prior and after. The girls all had a blast and her siblings enjoyed the party and helping to serve all the girls food. Both sets of grandparents were also there which made the evening that more special for her. 

The decor was picked out by Payton herself and Monte made the final okay (aka the purchase). I made sure it was all set up and ready to go before Payton got home from school Friday. Keeping the streamers up and lasting was a huge challenge though for the party. Avery sure loved them and pulled them down constantly. I think they didn't even last a full 24 hours before we had to part ways with what was left of the sad streamers.

Happy 12th Birthday Payton. We hope and pray that this is one of your best years yet.

Love, 

Mom