I'm 18!

I don't know if it hasn't hit me or what, but I handled this day quite well, even though is some ways I dreaded how I might react.  My oldest is 18 years old.  I guess I am just so pleased with the woman she has grown into that I am fine with it.  She is smart, hard-working, committed, filled with integrity and high standards, fun-loving and full of sunshine, and she is a caring and concerned person to top it all off.

 The tradition in our family is picking the menu for dinner for the birthday meal.

Birthday Dinner:

• Cub's Marinated Terriyaki Stake
• Chinese Cabbage Salad
• Sweet Potato Fries
• Dessert- She wanted a "moist chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting."

Gifts:

• Mom and Dad- trip to San Diego (this was also her graduation gift)
• Grandma and Grandpa: Contributed towards Sea World Tickets
• Dinner at Panera with friends
• Birthday donuts at Seminary

She didn't want a birthday party, so she surprised us all and came home with pierced ears!  I didn't believe her at first because she is so afraid of needles.  But she took photos to prove it.  I think it is adorable that her friends held her hand and the store let her hold this teddy bear.  

 

 I am not sure if you can see in the photo, but she did look extra sparkly with her new earrings.

 She also had lots of "Happy Birthdays" from friends and family.  A couple of friends surprised her and decorated her room- I love the door wrapped in birthday paper.

 

 Happy Birthday to my Girl!  I know you are a woman, and it sounds cliche, but you really are our "girl".  Having said that, we are proud of the woman you have grown into, and are so looking forward to see all that you will contribute to this world and the many new experiences that will come with graduating and going to college.  We love you so very much!