Another Teenager in the House!

Tonight we celebrated Rachel's 13th birthday! She is my second teenager now..... my oldest daughter. Happy birthday Rachel!

We had her favorite pizza with Ranch dressing and jalapenos. We also had borscht...... oh, and soda. Lots of soda!

After dinner, Rachel opened presents.

Adam and Caleb got Rachel this cute little Curious George monkey. She loved it and has since made it a girl by piercing its ears.

Rachel's absolute favorite candy is Jelly Belly's so we got her the biggest container of them that I could find----- Costco size!

Isn't her smile just beautiful? Since she is too old for a traditional birthday hat now, I stuck holly into her ponytail.

When I asked Rachel what kind of cake she wanted, she said an ice-cream cake. So, that is what I attempted to make her--- although the finished product was so scary that Andrew was afraid to try a piece until he saw everyone else eating it. Oh well, I tried, and Rachel knew how much work I put into it. But hey, you live and learn, and I already know how I can make a better one next time.

She blew out all the candles in one breath. I wonder what she wished for?

One new privilege that you get to enjoy once you are a teenager, is that you are allowed one soda a day. Well, that actually starts for her in three days.

Happy Birthday Rachel! We can't wait to celebrate the next 13 years with you too! Please go visit her blog and wish her a happy birthday!