Bailey's Big Birthday Bash! (#12)

Can you believe that my Bailey Jo is 12?! Oh my, where has the time gone? We had a wonderful celebration on Saturday with a house full of friends and laughter. Bailey planned this party all by herself. She was crazy about the idea of having a Hawaiian Luau by the pool, but after days and days of rain we weren't sure if it would work out. The girls did swim for a little bit though and then played games, ate cake, and watched the Hannah Montana movie. (Troy and Taylor loved this part!) The original plan was for Troy to project the movie outside on the side of the house, but because of the weather we just did it in the living room. He hung a quilt and made it into a HUGE big screen. Daddy saved the day and made it very fun!!! He also sent Bai some beautiful flowers in all of her favorite colors (blue, lime green, and orange).

Here are friends Emily, Saida, Meg, and of course Joshua all gathered around to play "spoons".

Here are all the beauties with exception of our Emily (the photographer) and another very special friend named Taylor Campbell who is actually in college at TX State. Bailey just loves her and wanted to include her. Taylor was very sweet and VERY mature to not be "too cool" to go to a younger girl's party.

You know in hindsight, we are feeling so blessed that God has provided for us in so many ways. I mean, it's been less than a year since we've moved here, and already Bailey has several very special friends. Wow! :)

I am feeling very overwhelmed at the thought that my baby is 12. It feels like yesterday that we propped her up in Taylor and Emily's 4 and 3 year old arms. Bailey has been and continues to be a great source of joy and laughter for all of us. She's also very deep spiritually, always hungry for worship and bible teaching. One of Bailey's greatest gifts is her love for animals. I marvel at her responsibility and willingness to sacrifice for our pets. She's always taking money that she's earned and spending it on toys for the dog, as well as getting up early just to spend time with them. I know that God has plans for her to some day work with animals as an adult, but all of these character traits in her also remind me of what an amazing mother she'll be. She shows that every day with how well she takes care of not just the pets, but also baby Joshua.

The bottom line is - I am so blessed to have her as my girl. She is a spectacular treasure to our whole family and I praise God for the gift of her!