Independence Day

Independence Day brought with it another teenager this year. Katelin turned 13, but has been promising us that her teenage years wont come with increased attitude and undeniable wisdom beyond that of her parents. Im pretty sure its inevitable, but we can hope we will still get to be smarter. Truthfully, besides being incredibly stubborn (we all have flaws right?), Katelin is a pretty happy and easy going kid. She smiles and giggles...a lot...and gets along with almost everyone she meets. She hasnt given us too much trouble and is smart and responsible. She does well in school and has a good group of friends who smile and giggle a lot with  her. We're pretty happy shes ours.

Katelin has always loved sharing her birthday with America and all that comes with it, especially the fireworks. The kids love dressing up and fixing their hair for the occasion.  

For the last few years we have been going to the Somers candy parade. The kids load up on as much candy as Halloween in most cases, although with less melty chocolate. Its always good to find friends there waiting for us! Madi and I stayed home this year to finish preparing the cake and a side dish for a BBQ later with friends.  

When the parade was over, Katelin got to open her presents. The kids usually hand make cards for each other.  

Zack and Brylee picked out some pens, a cute owl notepad , a mechanical pencil and a phone case for her.  

Madi went with the sporty route and got her some braided headbands, a water bottle, and a neon soccer ball.  

Not sure how this came up, but we had to check out Katelins muscles... 

then Zack had to show her up with the strongest muscles of all the kids.  

Alissa got her some of her favorite candies and some nail polish pens. She tried to wrap it funny to throw her off. 

Katelins main present from us was a bedroom remodel. We painted her walls and dresser, rearranged and added a ceiling fan. This last present was something shes been eyeing to go with her new room colors... 

New quilts for the bunk bed. (Her and Alissa share, so Alissa made out on this gift too.) 

Finally it was time for cake. Anyone who knows Katelin knows shes CRAZY about COOKIE DOUGH! She insisted on a chocolate cake, with cookie dough frosting and cookie dough truffles to go on top, with a side of cookie dough ice cream. Did I mention shes CRAZY for cookie dough?  

We like to buy the sparkler candles to go with the Independence Day theme. She thought she had us all figured out and they were trick candles ( we may have done that once or twice), even though we told her they werent. 

Man. lighting candles takes forever when you get old. 

Just when she thought they were all blown out... 

Trying again... 

still trying... 

still... 

Out of breath yet? 

How did they get all re-lit? 

Finally...COOKIE DOUGH! Honestly, the candles were really only supposed to be sparklers. Guess they left off the un-blowable feature from the box. 

Cookie Dough Bliss. 

Holiday Birthdays do have their perks. Whenever we get together with friends, Katelin often ends up with another cake. Surprise! 

Happy Birthday twice!