Sweet 16

This happy, kind, caring, gorgeous girl of mine turned 16 last week.  She sorta had a week long birthday celebration even tho we did nothing the actual day of her birthday. 

Going to Edmonton was part of her birthday fun.  Also more than anything she wanted a pair of Nike shoes.  A very specific pair of shoes. After saving up for them we got them for her the middle of March.  Leah wanted to wear them to provincials.  She said she was very ok with not opening anything on her birthday. Although I wish I would have waited since there was a sale the week of her birthday.  Of course, that is how my luck goes. 

The week of her birthday she had invited a few friends to come and hang out with her.  But with Easter holiday only 3 were around.  Right before they were to arrive I said to Leah that a good friend would shovel the walk for her friends.  Within seconds I heard a scraping and looked out the window.  Blake was doing it for her.  He also made the spaghetti for the party and helped get it all organized.  What a great kid.

Everyone arrived about  3ish.  They did a photo shot (Leah was fulfilling some of her assignments for school and Natalie was here to help her understand her camera) and played Just Dance.  She requested spaghetti, bread sticks, Caesars salad and Nathan's Chocolate Cheesecake.

A few more games after dinner, including the Saran Wrap game.

They were going to watch a movie and play Dutch Blitz, but Natalie got a call from Joe saying the roads were getting really bad, so they decided to head out early.  I love all these friends that Leah has.  She has made a real effort to cultivate all these friendships. Over a year ago Leah set a goal to met and get to know at least one new person at every stake event she went to. Because of this she has a large group of friends and knows people from every ward.  She is very outgoing and has a lot of fun with people.  It is a joy to watch her as she matures and I can see the kind of woman she will become.

On her birthday, she slept in and did a few chores, answered a bazillion texts and had a wonderful relaxing day.  That night we had brownies so Dave could celebrate with us and then we watched a movie.  I don't even remember what, it was just a low key wonderful day.  She is practicing more and more with the stick shift.  We drove all around town the other day and she did awesome until at one point she psyched herself out.  After she got calmed back down, again she did great.  We are hoping by maybe end of May she, and us :),  will feel ready for her to take her drivers test.

Happy 16th Leah!!  You are a joy and a unique spirit in our home.  Everyday I feel blessed to be your mom.