Sunday Best: Easter edition

We didn't get home from camping until late, late Saturday night.  I was so exhausted and I had been so focused on getting ready for camping that I didn't have much in terms of Easter.  I managed to fill and hide about 30 eggs with candy and change.  The kids' baskets were a bit sparse this year, but I threw some dollar bills in there to make up for it!  I'd brought hard-boiled eggs with us camping, but I forgot to bring vinegar so the kids ended up dying eggs after church on Easter Sunday.  I kind of feel that I dropped the ball big time this year, but the kids still had a great long weekend.  And, of course, Easter is about more than eggs and Easter baskets.

Camping

We were invited to go camping with my brother this past weekend.  He had recently purchased a fancy new RV and he assured as there was room for all of us in it.  He was even going to give Tom and I the king-sized bed since Rosie wouldn't be there.  I am not really a fan of camping, but if I have to go, it is going to be in as much comfort as possible. 

The weather was perfect and Martin Dies, Jr. State Park was gorgeous.  We had so much fun biking and hiking and eating and playing and kayaking and swimming and relaxing!

When your kid plans her own birthday party

About a month ago, Ellie was at a birthday sleepover for a friend, when she and a fellow party-goer started discussing their own upcoming birthdays.  They decided to do a joint birthday party at the ice skating rink in the mall.  By the time Ellie returned home the next day, the had prices, date, and time.  I just needed to fill out the paperwork and pay a deposit.  It was pretty easy for me, but the day started off a little awkward as their had been zero communication between me and the other party-girl's mom.  I found myself standing alone downstairs in a house of someone I had never even spoken to.  Also, Ellie and her friend Apthi sent out the birthday evite and they weren't completely clear as to the meeting place.  About half the party went straight to the mall instead of meeting at Apthi's house as intended.  It all worked out, though, and the girls had a great time.  They ended with a sleepover at Apthi's house and I was just so thankful it wasn't happening at my house!

Ellie's Golden Birthday

At Sam's birthday party a few weeks back, I mentioned to my friend that Ellie's birthday was the following week on the 13th.  "She is turning 13 on the 13th? That's her golden birthday!" my friend informed me.  I had never even heard of such a thing, but you know I love a theme so I went with it.  The morning of Ellie's birthday, she came down to all gold décor and a basket full of gold-themed goodies.

Dear Ellie at 13

Dear Ellie,

Today you are thirteen.  Officially a teenager, although I feel you have been acting like one for a couple of years now.  You have grown so much over the past year.  You are nearly as tall as I am and you are even able to wear my shoes!  I have a feeling when I write your birthday letter next year, you will have surpassed me in height.

You are still in school.  I'm always impressed with how well you keep up with your assignments in addition to your busy theater schedule.  You will be starting swim team next week and you are assistant stage manager for the 6th grade play.  I love how fearless you have become this year about trying new things.

This is the year that you discovered a love of your room and of taking naps.  You will disappear for hours on end, but most nights you come downstairs once your brothers are in bed so you can visit with you dad and me.  I hope you never stop doing that.  I mean, we are always going to make you go to bed eventually, but that doesn't mean we don't want to talk to you for a bit first!

Ellie, you are funny, smart, independent, and just an overall awesome person.  I am so proud of you.  Happy birthday, sweet girl!

Love,
Mom



*I promise I wrote this on your actual birthday. I just forget to hit publish because I wanted to add more pictures.