Memorial Day Weekend {Part 1}

Part One of our Memorial Day Weekend begins with Scenes From a Birthday.

On Friday Mary Kate celebrated her 14th birthday.  There was no traditional birthday doughnut routine though.  Billy leaves for school at 6:30, Mary comes down for breakfast at 7, and the rest wake up at 8.  I offered to sing to her by myself, but she turned me down.  I don't know why.

The only thing better than having your birthday fall on the Friday before a 3 day weekend is having it also fall on the day of your 8th grade Farewell Dance!  Playing real life dress up for the first time is very exciting.

For her birthday present she wanted to get her hair professionally done.  I offered to do it myself, but she turned me down.  I don't know why.

So after making her put in a full day of school (most of the girls took a half day to get to their salon appointments!!) we went to the hairdresser.  It was a fun experience for her.

Getting ready and the anticipation of it all is half the fun.

 We picked up her best bud Riley...

and drove to the school.  Bill had left work early that day thinking he gave himself plenty of time to see her before she left.  However, it took him almost 3 hours to get home.  We didn't think he'd make it.  As soon as we pulled into the parking lot, he pulled in right behind us!  It was a wonderful surprise.

We offered to walk her up to the front door, but she turned us down.  I don't know why.

After the dance, she and her friends came back to change their clothes, sing a quick happy birthday song, and then they went to the movies.

We didn't' get to spend much time with her this day, but seeing that smile and how happy she was was worth the sacrifice.

Happy birthday to our sweet girl.  We love you!