Makenna's 11th Birthday!

I may be a few days late, but I surely won't forget my baby girl's birthday post! It was decided a couple of weeks before her birthday that we would go to South Carolina to celebrate. We could get our taxes done (!!!) and be with family at the same time. It was to be a short visit but we knew we could pull it off. Her request was to eat at a favorite Mexican restaurant and have Nana make her cake. I didn't think that was too much to ask.

Time does have a way of healing wounds and feelings, you know. I invited Makenna's other side of the family (her bio-Dad's side) to come eat with us and spend time with the girls. We have all hashed out whatever happened in the past and now we just have a good time when we are together. How surprised we were when so many showed up! Makenna was the bell of the ball and Paige was the hostess with the mostest. They flitted from family member to family member and really soaked in some family goodness. It's good for the girls to see their parent's families getting along. Girl cousins giggled and squealed at their shared table. Little boy cousins ran around and were just boys. Adults caught up on happenings and laughed at the kids. It truly was a good time. I happened to have my old camera in the truck and I begged that thing to take just a few more pictures (she's old and worn out). The camera complied and I am so glad I was able to capture a few great family moments.

I can't believe I now have an official tween living in my house. Overnight she's turned into a five foot tall giggling girl! One minute she's picking on her brother and driving him crazy...the next she's hanging out in her sister's room just chillin'. (Their words, not mine- so don't be embarrassed I used your slang Paige.) She is a book-a-holic where she gets lost in her own world on a regular basis. The Boy calls her constantly to help him with games as she's pretty darn good at electronics, too. I know I personally call on her to help me set up the DVR on a regular basis. I could figure it out, but she already has it down and can fix whatever I want in 2.5 seconds. What would you do? She loves to bake and even has her own special dish she prepares for us that we love.

Makenna is just an all around good kid. We are so blessed to have her in our lives sharing her humor and love on a daily basis.

I bought this shirt for her three years ago. I'm sure if you search the archives, you'll see this shirt every year. As long as she keeps growing UP, she'll be wearing it a while longer. Everyone needs a Birthday Princess shirt to wear, don't you think?

Cousins are awesome! These four are close in age and close in heart. Emily, Erica, Makenna, and Trinity...a fabulous foursome when they're able to get together!


Yet another sweet cousin! Claussen and Makenna adore each other to pieces. We always get tickled because one will try to stow away in the other's car while the adults are talking. One day they might just succeed! These two are almost exactly 9 months apart. I always tell C's Mom that she got baby fever when she held Makenna in the hospital.

This kid lives for the sombrero. She honestly does. She wore this hat around the restaurant for a good 45 minutes after being sung to. I finally had to send an uncle or two to remind her that the hat had to stay. She was sad but already has plans to wear it again next year.

What a wonderful time it was and I'm so glad it was another memorable birthday for an amazing kid!!!