14 Years and 1 Week

One week ago tonight we were celebrating Lexi's 14th birthday. I have to admit it feels very bittersweet. I think my mind is still trying to catch up with my life. I truly don't know when this happened...when my girl grew up!  

Lexi can:

fit into my shoes

take care of Owen

play the piano better than me

clean the kitchen to my standard (when she wants)

Take charge like nothing I have ever seen in someone her age

be an amazing help 

Happy Birthday Lexi! Thanks for being my super, terrific, 14 year old girl:)

I love how supportive my girls are of each others birthdays. Every sister needed to buy a gift for their big sis. Nicolette chose some of Lexi's favorites:)

Ava also chose gifts that Lexi loves (mostly candy) Lexi loves candy. I wonder who taught her that love?

Vivien chose mascara. Lexi  loves mascara. she goes through a bottle a month...at least. I thought it was so cute of Vivi to know Lexi loves new mascara.

For some reason I don't have a picture of Lexi and Lilli. Lilli bought Lexi a gift she had really been wanting and it took all of Lilli's allowance. I thought this was very nice and giving of Lilli.

 We headed to Texas Roadhouse for a yummy birthday dinner. Lexi wanted to take her family to dinner, which I thought was very kind and fun! Luckily, cute, nice, sweet Kristy was willing to take on those little ones in the family who don't do well at the restaurant. This left us with a very enjoyable birthday dinner:)

Then came the real craziness...I some how (with the help of Lexi's friends and cousin) pulled off a surprise party for the birthday girl. Here is a picture of most of the group that came. I think they all thought I was a nut making them pose for a picture...hey that's just the breaks when your mom is a blogger;)

Lexi requested the birthday cake I always request...Baskin Robins ice cream cake with mint chocolate chip ice cream. yummy! The writing on the cake is a bit sloppy, seeing that the guy behind the counter pretty much refused to write on her cake! So, when I offered to do it myself he said, "sure come on back." So, I headed to the back of Baskin Robins and did my best, especially considering I have never written on an ice cream cake before. Well, when your the mom you just do what you gotta do! And, we were so not having a cake with no happy  birthday on it.

The cute friends helped set up while we were at dinner with Lex. They did a great job:) She was very surprised! 

This is Lexi "fake" blowing out her candles. 

This is my boy hanging out at the party...oh, I really love this guy. He is definitely, a knight in shining baby.

Avoiding the camera...

One really great thing Lexi has going for her, is one amazing dad! This guy does so much for his  daughters. He spent a good hour trying to get the movie to work. The movie was having a few "technical" problems. Doug does not give up though and eventually he had the movie fully set up and on the go...There is NOTHING this Dad can't do! 

* on a side note, Nicolette is one patient three year old. She sat here pretty much the whole time just waiting for the movie to start...oh she's a funny gal. Yes, she had one of her famous tantrums when she could not stay and watch the whole movie, but we'll just focus on the positive for the sake of the birthday post.

I had to add this picture of the party waiting for the movie to start. 

A BIG thanks to the popcorn lady, babysitter, patient friend, who let Vivien "help" her with the popcorn making. Thank you Kristy for giving us the "real"popcorn for our movie party! I think some peanut butter thank you cookies should some day make it your way:)

Happy Birthday Lexi! We love you!