Anna Lauren Turns "11"...

Anna Lauren turned "11" on March 20th.  One of my favorite things is to celebrate a birthday and make sure that person feels special ALL day long.  I mean think about it...you only get one day out of 365 days so I think you deserve to feel special, right???

Birthday tradition at our house is a little "home party" as Cooper calls it before heading to school or work...

And some years everyone comes in your room yelling happy birthday and throwing balloons...birthday girl just trying to wake up!!!

A little early morning happy birthday singing...

I guess Cooper didn't think she could do it herself...or...he just couldn't stand it (that is more like it).

Happy that it's "her" day :)

Opening a few presents.  She had already gotten her "big" present, which was her closet converted from a closet to more of a dressing area...she got a new desk, mirror, and chair.  We had it all setup for her when she returned from a week at her Nanna's over spring break.

We do a "home party" before school and then we always go to school and have lunch with the birthday boy or girl.  Cooper's teacher said he could join us for lunch with sister.

She picked McCarley to eat lunch with us...

Lunch with our most favorite 11 year old!!!

She decided not to take a treat to school for her birthday, but she did take cupcakes to cheer practice.  And yes, she was disappointed the pink was not hot pink.  But...you kind of take your chances when you are paying $13 at Wal-Mart for cupcakes.  

It was a normal day of school, cheer practice, soccer game, etc.  But...we all met up afterwards for a quick dinner at El Sombrero...and in case you are wondering, you go there because they sing to you...ha ha!!!

They got her good...oops...someone forgot to tell them no cool whip.  She HATES cool whip!!!

She was a good sport about it but quickly ran to the bathroom to clean off her face.

Pop Pop and MeMe were in town the night of her birthday so she got to open their present when we got home from dinner...MeMe got her exactly what she requested...yay!!!

It was a fun day celebrating our special girl!!!  

Celebrating "11"...

On March 18th, we celebrated "11" with Anna Lauren and a few of her closest friends...

The girls were all dropped off at our house, and we loaded up and headed to Amerigo for dinner.  You know part of the fun is getting to all ride together...

MeMe was actually in town so Cooper decided to stay at home with her rather than going to dinner with a bunch of girls.  However, he didn't hesitate to jump in and take a picture with them before they left.

Oh silly Emmy...I'm pretty sure I don't have one picture of her smiling normal.  She gets it from her Daddy!

At dinner one of her friends said let's go around the table and say one thing we like about Anna Lauren.  Emmy said, "she's a good friend."

And I added...let's say one thing you like and one thing you don't like.

McKenna said, "I like that she's weird, and I don't like she always interrupts."

Carsyn said, "I like she's her own person/unique, but I don't like that she interrupts all the time."

Audrey said, "I like that she is always there, but I don't like how talkative she is."

Nina said, "I like that she is weird, but I don't like how much she talks."

And McCarley said, "I like that she is oddly strange, and I don't like that she always changes the subject."

Think it was pretty consistent...she is loved for being "one of a kind" and annoying for always having something to say.  We are trying to work on that with her.  However, you could tell they all love her to death and let's be honest...we all have quirks that our true friends just understand about us.  I know I do!!!

While waiting on dinner, she opened her presents.  It is for sure the days of gift cards and money, which made her happy, happy!!!

After dinner, we sang happy birthday, blew out candles, and enjoyed cake.

You can tell by her face that she was so happy and getting to do exactly what she wanted for her birthday...

We all know that Anna Lauren is for sure "one of a kind", but I pray for her often that she will grow into being as pretty on the inside as she is on the outside.  I also pray that she will understand how special a group of friends truly are and treasure their friendship.

I honestly could not ask for a better group of girls for Anna Lauren to call friends.  I hope that they continue to celebrate many birthdays together throughout the years.  

Charity Ball...

Matt and I who are just as happy at home in our pajamas on a Saturday night don't get all dressed up and go to a ball for just anyone.  But...we will for someone special and especially our nephew who makes us oh so proud.  Reid was chosen to be an escort at this year's charity ball in Brookhaven...it is an honor received your sophomore year of college.

These three best friends all went a different way after high school, but it sure was fun to walk into the room and see the 3 of them sitting in the corner together just talking/catching up with each other.

Nanna probably hates an event like this more than anyone in the family...but...she'll do just about anything for her grandchildren.  

Parenting is hard so they may not realize it or think it but from the outside looking in, I think God has truly blessed Brad and Paula with the best boys!!!

These two live together in Starkville, and I know many days they want to kill each other...but...deep down you can tell they really do love each other!!!

I've watched this kid do so many great things throughout his years, and I'm honored to be able to call him my nephew...

He continues to make us proud!!!

I'm thankful for this guy who never says a word when I say we have another event to attend for someone in my family...he always goes with the biggest smile on his face!!!

And to think...these two will be getting married a year from now!!!

I love any chance I get to see my cousin...

She had a hard job as she was chairman of the ball, but she did great!!! She has a love for volunteer work like no other person I know.

And here is our favorite escort, Reid...

Carrie's son, John, was a train carrier for the king so we were excited to get to see him too!!!

After the court is presented the first dance is with your mom or dad...

We watched our favorites dance, ate dinner, and then we headed out.  I had dreaded it all week, but honestly, once I got there I enjoyed myself and was so glad we went.