And then she was 9

This year, Katelin decided that what she wanted most for her birthday was a trip to Utah. Well, since we are just possibly the nicest parents ever, we agreed to it. Actually, we had already planned to go, but she didnt need to know that! Her presents were covered! See how nice we are! All sarcasm aside, we did plan on getting her gifts all along, we just wanted to surprise her with them. We wanted to celebrate her birthday as a family before we left, so Katelin decided to have one of our good ol backyard family camp-outs. Of course, all the kids were on board with that idea.

This year, we added a new fire pit, so we could roast hot dogs and marshmallows better than over our camp stove like last year. If the fire would start, that would be helpful. So far, just smoke! Makes my eyes hurt again, just looking at it!
After the fire co-operated, we munched on our yummy hot dogs. The kids commented on how they were the best hot dogs they ever had. Maybe it was the smoked flavor.

Thumbs up for fire roasted hot dogs from Zack.

And 2 thumbs up from Madi.

The always present inside the tent goofiness.

The next morning, it was present and cake time. I think Katelin got everything on her wish list this year, including: Ramona and Beezus...

DS babysitting game...

a Ken doll...

and her favorite...

a beanbag chair.

All the kids love the beanbag chair, and tried to fit as many bums on it as they could. FYI, it fits 4. Yay for small tooshies.

One of Katelins favorite things to eat is strawberries, and we actually had our own to pick this year. We froze some strawberries for a few days, so we would have enough to make her a strawberry birthday cake. Of course we had to leave the strawberries off one side for our anti fruit loving girl. Who doesnt love fruit!? Madi, thats who. Crazy.

So a camp-out, a trip to Utah, presents and a birthday cake with fresh home grown strawberries. We really are the nicest parents ever.

Oh, and Katelin aint half bad either! (0;

HAPPY 9TH BIRTHDAY KATELIN!