Rease's 13th birthday

We have a teenager in the house! Rease turned 13 today and officially stepped into teen mode.  We love her dearly and hope that being 13 doesn't change her too much too fast!

She wanted a 2 tiered cake that wasn't quite so little kid-ish and helped me pick out the colors and the frosting design.  It was definitely big enough to feed the whole crew that came to celebrate with her!  After opening presents and having cake and ice cream, we had a late night with some of her besties - Izzy and Riley along with a group of Rhen's friends and cousins and little brothers.  It was quite the group but we had a great time!

 13 year old stats from Dr. Erickson:

Height: 5'6" - 94%

Weight: 174 lbs. - 98%

My favorite things about 13 year old Rease:

1) Rease is my right hand gal.  She helps me with anything and everything and is always happy to be by my side.  She loves to try new things and is up for whatever crazy thing we're doing or trying.  She isn't afraid to do something new and has become a really great mountain biking partner for me! I love being with this teenager of mine and hope she is my friend for life!

2) Rease is smart and a hard worker.  No matter what it is she's doing, she is doing her best.  She does well in school, has loved learning the french horn, practices her piano hard, reads like a maniac, works in the yard with her dad and plays hard when the time comes!  She has the great quality of doing things all the way when she decides to do them.  Love that about her!

3) Rease is the best oldest sister.  She has a great relationship with her sister - though there are times that they can't seem to figure out who's turn it is to clean their room (which is always a mess).  And she is really good to her younger brothers.  They all look up to her a lot!  Best of all, she is a very reliable babysitter and does great when she's in charge at home or if she's babysitting for a neighbor.  I never have a worry when I know Rease is home and in charge!

Rease, we love you and made you promise today that you wouldn't act like a teenager even though you officially are one now.  Remember that a few years from now when you actually start getting an attitude would ya?! 

Happy Birthday!