Charity's Family Party

expensive handshake from Grandpa Hatch :). 

CHARITY'S 15TH BIRTHDAY
It felt like Charity's birthday just came and went this year!  The teenager birthdays just aren't the same as the younger kids'.  That's okay, just trying to get used to it I guess :).  Charity loved her sign (still a tradition :) ), she was a sweetheart in the morning, helped me with breakfast since I'd woken up a little late- we had crepes because I know she likes them, even went all out and got Nutella!  She loved that.  Then she rushed off to do TTM Cafe with Kelly, Bradley, Luke and Noah.
I got to see her a couple hours later at her registration appointment (I had to choose her birthday because she'd been on an all day field trip with her AP classes on the other possible day).  That might need a post of its own.
Then for lunch we delivered two Little Caesar's pizzas, two bags of crazy bread, and an Oreo pizza from Pizza Pie Cafe, for Charity to share with her friends for lunch.  That was pretty fun.  I love that we were able to do that for her.  She seemed to enjoy it.
After school we all worked in the TTM Cafe again.
When we got home it was time to clean up, finish making cupcakes, and get ready for Literacy Night.  It was a busy evening!
We rushed home from the school to find Aunt Jen in the living room :).  It was time for Charity's family party!  This ended up being a big hit.  Grandpa Hatch, Grandma Hatch, Simon, Sarah and her boys all came as well.  Charity seemed to enjoy the attention and gifts, mostly money, and acted like a big ol' teenager all evening.

We had her Key Lime Cupcakes I had made (they actually turned out pretty good!  I did take ONE bite :) ), some ice cream, and then everyone left.  It was fun to tell Charity all the things we think are special about her, as we knelt in a circle before family prayer.  Those moments are precious.
It's hard to believe she's 15.  I remember being 15 like it was yesterday.  I hope she does better with her 15th year than I did.  So far so good :).

 I was so happy with her reaction to the gift we got her.  A guitar!  I'd like to say it was all thought and that we're the most creative/thoughtful parents ever, but she actually requested it :).  So it was fun to see her play around with it a little.  I hope she gets the hang of it and has a lot of fun with it soon.

The next day, Friday, was her friend party.  She had invited about 7 friends over for basketball, ultimate frisbee, S'mores, and games.  They did most of those things :).  Unfortunately I didn't get to be there for a lot of it, I was in charge of getting all the littles out of the house, so Luke, Noah, Erika, Jack and I (oh and Trenton), went and saw the Batman Lego Movie.  I was bummed to miss out on her party, but I could tell Nate didn't want to miss out on it either.  I think they all had fun!  They were pretty happy and loud when I got home.  I am grateful for her friends and that she has chosen some good ones.  Even the boy that she has a crush on seems pretty awesome.  Which doesn't surprise me, she's such a good girl.  I really am so pleased with who she is and where she is headed.  I love that I have complete faith in her abilities and that I know she will push herself to greatness.  Happy Birthday, Char Bear!!  I love you so much!!  3-9-17