It started with homemade waffles, with real whipped cream and strawberries, and then moved on to the next best thing: volleyball. (far left, that's Kate)
Cheered on by grandparents, aunts, parents, siblings, and cousins. (we took up a HUGE section of the bleachers-thank you family-you ROCK!).
Then it moved on to taco soup (a personal favorite of the 13 year old) then presents, surrounded by excited siblings and cousins.
I love that the boys are always so interested in what girls get.
It ended with the most ginormous chocolate cake ever. Singing of happy birthday, and one tired girl at the end of it all.
Kate is 13. Unbelievable, amazing, how-did-it-go-by-so-fast, 13.
Kate continues to astound us with her sweet disposition, kindness towards others, and willingness to help and obey.
I don't make these things up, she really is an awesome girl.
10 things we love about Kate:
1.She laughs easily and smiles all the time.
2.She is sweet and kind, but she knows what's right and will stand up for it.
3.She is second mama around here. Not because I have intentionally made her that way, but I think because she truly loves her littlest brother and sister and loves that they come to her when they need something.
4.She babysits without complaining, even when I don't pay her.
5.She now eats more than the granola bars and peanut butter sandwiches that she lived on til she was 8. (translation, she eats what I cook for dinner)
6.She tries things even if it is out of her comfort zone. (good things, Mikey, good things)
7.She is an excellent student.
8.She has a growing testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
9.She dresses modestly all the time. She doesn't compromise her values or change them for others. (how many 13 year olds can you say that about?)
10.Every night she comes into our room and kisses us goodnight and hugs us. EVERY NIGHT!
-and bonus-she calls me mommy sometimes still. It makes me want to cry, I love it so much.
So there you have. The oldest of 6 kids, our first born, the girl we call Kate.
Happy Birthday darling girl. We all love you!
I love you Kate! It was a great evening, great game and you are the best!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! I remember when she was born, that fiery shock of red hair and her gorgeous alabaster skin...can't believe it was already 13 years ago.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! You are awesome! I'm so proud of who you are!
ReplyDeleteLove, Dad
We had so much fun last night!! It was fun to cheer Kate on. We especially liked seeing Jeff dressed up in the fly costume. Awesome stuff!
ReplyDeleteAhh, 13 years old. Teenagers are wonderful people and Kate is a living example of just how wonderful. Kate, your parents are very blessed to have you as their first teenager. You are a beautiful girl and a great example to your sisters and brothers. You are a spiritually strong person with high standards and a keen intellect. Happy 13th!!!
ReplyDelete