My beautiful baby girl...

Today is McKenna's 12th birthday. She wanted contacts for her birthday so yesterday I took her to the eye doctor. She was an instant pro at putting them in and taking them out. She also got a new bike from her Grandma and Grandpa. A mountain bike with all the gears a techie girl could need! Tomorrow she is going to her first cooking class since that is still her passion. I've never had a problem with my age or getting older but this birthday of hers is a little tougher for me than I expected. She even looked older this morning when she was getting ready for school (and I felt older!). So here are 12 things I love about my beautiful baby girl...

1. She is not a girly girl, but a perfect mix of tough and tender.
2. She is always happy and laid back, no drama.
3. She lights up a room with her smile.
4. She is always more concerned with others feeling over her own.
5. She has so many dreams and plans.
6. She is a great cook!
7. She is never worried about what other people think.
8. She could make friends with a rock!
9. She never sees the bad in people, only the good.
10. She will help anyone, anywhere, and anytime.
11. She is so nurturing and motherly to anyone who needs it.
12. She is my angel sent to make me a better person.

Happy Birthday Kenna, Sparky, Kenna Bear, Kenna Leigh, Ken, Sis, Baby Doll... :-)

In leiu of Lava luau...

For the last few years my friend Kathy and I have been taking a huge group of friends up to party in Lava Hot Springs for our birthday. This year we were afraid people would not be able to make it due to our countries great economic situation. So we planned a luau at Kathy's house instead. Since our birthdays are 20 days apart we split the difference and put the party in between them both. We had a great time with decorations, karaoke, jello shots, and wonderful(as always)food. We learned the proper jello shot technique from Julie and Karen (no I am not kissing everyone in the slide show below). Our friend Ginnett had real Hawaiian leis flown in from Hawaii for us and made us these great cards with our pictures as hula girls. I love my framily (friends + family) and couldn't make it through a day without talking or e-mailing at least one of them. On my actual birthday I had dinner with Troy and Staci. Troy is such a sweetie and was the very first person to wish me a Happy Birthday (via e-mail). Thank you to everyone for making it such a special day and party.