Lucy's Birthday Extravaganza

Lucy's celebration began with a surprise facial/make-up tutorial.  I was jealous.  

 The following morning my parents arrived and while my older kids were at school we snuck in a lunch at Super Taqueria (sorry kids).

When Lucy got home from school the ladies took her to Ulta and got her all set up with make-up, perfume, face wash, the whole nine yards.  Ulta was giving out free martini sets with a purchase of perfume.  Sweet?

Then it was time for the opening of gifts:

 Clara had time to show off her new tiara that Maren bought her.  Clara has a great desire to participate in pageants.  Toddlers and tiara's is her inspiration.  Our own Little Miss Sunshine:

 After gifts we went over to BJ's and had a horrendous experience.  It turned into a three hour ordeal, but the silver lining was they comped about half the meal.  Then it was back to the house for brownies and ice cream pie.  Lucy blew out the candles, all 13 of them , with one try.  Well done!

 Beckham was pleased and we were all pleased with him:

A Surprise Breakfast Party

What a difference a year makes!  Lucy had a birthday party a year ago and didn't really know anyone very well.  This year was much better.  The Koelling girls (a great family) decided to throw Lucy a party.  Here is the invite:

Who wants to share their one and only 13th birthday with a turkey?  We are not going to let that happen to our Lucy! We are meeting in the parking lot of the Reno Christian Fellowship Church and then heading over to "pluck" little Lucy out of her warm bed and "stuff" her with a pajama and pancake filled Birthday 

Breakfast at I-HOP! 

Four things to remember:

1.  Shh, it's a surprise

2.  Wear your pajamas

3.  RSVP so no one gets left behind

4.  We will bring you home

And so on a cold and snowy morning Lucy was awakened by her friends and swept off for a pancake breakfast.  Guess what little person was as pleased as punch to tag along?  It was a fun morning and I am grateful for all these fun girls who love Lucy for Lucy.

In order, Emily K., Ellie, Lucy, Jenni, Megan, Kinley, Libby, Anna, Allie, Anna, and Clara (lots of Emily's and Anna's becomes very confusing at times).

 Ellie, Carla Sue, Lucille, and Jenni:

 Anna, Allie, and Anna

 Present time:

She Is A TEENAGER!

Today our baby turns 13!  thirTEEN.  Holy mother of Pearl.  It is nuts.  Is there a better girl than LJ?  She is and always has been such a great person.  She is so much like her Dad and so funny.  She has a fantastic sense of humor.  And she is smart.  This has gone so quickly.  It's mind boggling.  Happy birthday to our little Lucy Jane who is almost taller than me and wears the same size shoes as me. 

Pinewood Derby 2012

Tucker and Anders participated in the Pinewood Derby on election day.  This was Tucker's grand finale!!  And for a fun experiment he decided to just stick wheels on his block of wood.  I think most parents were inspired by his design.  And the good news is, it came in 5th out of around 30 cars.  Not bad!

 Anders had great success with his car.  In fact he won FIRST PLACE!  It was an exciting night for him and his awesome car.  Thank goodness for his Dad.  Tucker's design was more my style. (Although even then the axles etc. are beyond me).

 This was the top two setting up for the final race.  Placing them takes a lot of precision:

This is the best picture!  Look how hard little Ryan is praying for his car.  If this photo isn't a Norman Rockwellish slice of Americana, I don't know what is.  I love the little kids surrounding them.  I love 12 year old Anna L's daring choice of t-shirt in a predominantly Romney supporting group on election night.  I love Ira's face in the bottom left, and Emma next to Anders, engrossed in the race.  I LOVE this picture.  

And the good news was, Anders was able to overcome Ryan's faithful prayer to take the race:

All photo credits go to my friend Emily who is a fab photographer and remembered to bring her camera for the big event!