Sweet 16! (And 12)

On February 16, Mikayla turned 16! Her daddy got her 16 roses for her birthday. :)

 Mikayla had 2 groups of people who she wanted to help her celebrate her birthday, and since it IS her 16th AND her "golden" birthday, we told her she could do 2 parties.

The first one was a "mystery dinner" with some friends from her class.  The students all chose items from a menu...but the menu was in code, so they didn't know what order they would get their food.

 So the food came out at random times...as did their silverware.  It made for a lot of laughs.  And we sang "Happy Birthday" when Mikayla got her dessert during the 3rd course (of 5).  

16 candles on a cupcake!

 Her next party was with a group of girls that has been an incredible blessing and encouragement to her.  So thankful for Godly young women who invest in one another like this group does.

 Mikayla requested mint chocolate brownies for this party, and it was a big hit.

 There wasn't a plan or agenda for the party.  The girls just played a few board games...and spent a lot of time laughing together. :)

 Then on March 1st, Ben turned 12!

He requested taco salad for his birthday supper, and this is one big taco salad!

 No birthday cake for Ben this year, he wanted one giant glob (no bake cookies that are normally in normal cookie size pieces, but I did it in one giant mound this time).

 We didn't really do a party this year, but Ben was thrilled that Papa was here to celebrate with us!

So thankful for our kids!