As previously reported, this past weekend we celebrated Elaine's 12th birthday! We had a ton of fun and enjoyed every minute with them.  On Friday night, we went and had dinner at BJ's and then headed home to sing Happy Birthday to the birthday girl and enjoy some dessert!

On Saturday, I only worked half a day so that we could all enjoy some time together.  We took Elaine shopping at The Galleria, where we purchased some summer clothing for her.  As you can imagine Tyler, being a boy, was ecstatic about shopping for a few hours.  He repeatedly leaned on shelving and items in stores causing those same things to move out of place...he must have been exhausted from walking around the mall.  We thought it was hilarious!  Anyway, Elaine got a pair of shorts from American Eagle and Abercrombie. 

She also got about 10 different summer tops, so she shouldn't have a problem trying to decide what to wear.  While at The Galleria, I asked Tyler and Elaine if they wanted to go ice skating, since Elaine is always asking to go when they come up here.  At first she said yes and then while we were eating she said no, maybe later.  CHICKEN! I know it's because she didn't want to fall, instead we went bowling at Main Event.  We all had a nice dinner at Olive Garden and then went home for the evening.  We hope that Elaine had an enjoyable 12th birthday celebration. My husband and I can't wait until next year, when she'll be the BIG 1-3!

Happy 12th Birthday

Today is Elaine's 12th birthday and we are happy that she will be spending the weekend with us to celebrate her last birthday before she officially becomes a teenager.  On the agenda for the big celebration is:

• Shopping   
• Shopping
• Eating at out at the restaurant of her choice
• Ice skating and much more

I met Elaine when she was 8 years old, and boy has she changed so much.  She's still the sweet and ever-so-pleasing young girl that she was 4 years ago, but she's growing into a wonderfully sweet young woman.  She's now beginning to wear make-up (mascara only) and is now desiring to wear "girly" clothes.  When she was here a few weeks ago, my husband asked her what she wanted to do for her birthday and her response was, "I want to go shopping at American Eagle or Abercrombie and buy shorts, but I don't want those shorts that come down to my knees".  Uh oh! So the pre-tween years shall begin!  We will gladly buy her the clothing that she desires, as long as it looks decent.  We can only pray and hope that as the teenage years come around she remains the smart and sweet girl that she has always been.  Happy Birthday Laney!

**(pics to come after weekend festivities)