Happy Birthday, Betsy!

My first niece, Betsy, turns 13 today, and I just can't believe it! I still remember going to the hospital when I was 15 and welcoming her to the world. I've been reminded lots lately just how quickly time flies. We've been doing lots of celebrating for her thirteenth- a family party two weekends ago and her friend party this past weekend.

Here she was at our family party. You know you're getting older when you can't show how old you are on your hands anymore. It didn't stop Betsy...she just threw up a few extra toes to show us how old she was! :) My grandmother made Betsy's family party "cake." She piled up layers of HOMEMADE crust (YUM!), whipped cream, and strawberries. I thought this was such a cute idea. After the candles were blown out, we turned it into strawberry shortcake, and it was fabulous!




My sister and her husband went all out for Betsy's friend birthday party. (They told her to enjoy because it will all go downhill from here!) She and 8 or 9 friends traveled by limo to eat at a hibachi grill in Memphis. They returned home later that night to finish the partying at Starbucks Coffee. We met them at Starbucks to see all the fun.

I used to think parents who had children out past
8:00 were so awful, and now I have a child who doesn't
sleep. Here we are with our perfectly happy child out
around 9:30. Funny how so many things come back to
bite you in the behind...... :)

She wasn't too sure about the boa!

When Alicia pulled in, we realized we were dressed
almost exactly alike. At 13 this type of thing was
HUMILIATING to me. Good thing Betsy is so much
more confident than I was. She didn't even care that
her mom and aunt had matching outfits.

How long has it been since you sucked helium out of
a balloon and talked in that funny, high voice? We sat
out on the patio doing this and laughing hysterically. Alicia
did it, too, but I was laughing so hard that I forgot
to take a picture.