Happy 15th Birthday, Makenna Nicole!!

Happy 15th Birthday, to my Kenners.

I remember the second I found out I was having another girl ~

I was so excited for Sis.

So excited to have two little girls.

Dance classes, and cookie baking, and girls movie nights ~

I could not wait.

And here we are, fifteen years later, you two are the best of friends.

And you are an awesome big sister to the two littles.

Fifteen years has flown right by.

Happy Birthday, Baby Girl.

You are beautiful, kind, and compassionate.

You are creative and intuitive.

I am learning {slowly, but surely} that no matter how hard I beg, plead, or nag, 

you are just not inclined to keep things tidy. Or to value organization.

But that's okay. 

Because you make us laugh every day and you help us

to see everything through a new lens.

Hope this year is the best yet!

Birthday Partyin'

We've been busy celebrating Miss Sierra ~ 

I still can't believe she is 15!

The night before her birthday we celebrated by starting a fire in the fire pit,

enjoying some S'Mores, and opening a few gifts from mama and daddy {since Jerm was going to have to work on her birthday :( }

Birthday day started with Church, then home to prep these delicious 

single-serving-seven-layer-dips!

A few more presents

Sweet notes,

And reminiscing, by looking through all of Sissy's photo books.

{My big Sissy's first major outing since she started chemo, and we were SO happy to have her join us!}

And then some photos with the birthday girl!

Once everyone left, we got set up for an Outdoor Movie Night:

The perfect ending to a very special day!

Celebrations continue this week as Sierra has her first ever facial and massage at the spa.

Just a couple more weeks of Summer fun, before the reality of back to school hits!

What are you doing to enjoy these last few days?

Happiness and Tears . . . A 15th Birthday Tale

I looked at my husband yesterday, and through tears said, 

"Tomorrow we will have a 15 year old".

Time is such a funny thing, because, I swear, I remember being 15.

Like it was yesterday.

Studying for my permit test.

Starting my Sophomore year.

Like it was YESTERDAY.

I remember fifteen years ago.

Calling my midwife and telling her we were on our way to the hospital.

Walking the halls of the labor and delivery floor at Providence Milwaukie Hospital.

And then a few hours later, holding my tiny little 7lb. 6oz. baby girl.

And here we are, fifteen years later.

It simultaneously makes my heart burst with joy, and want to split in two.

My oldest baby girl, Happy 15th Birthday to YOU!

You are beautiful, smart, intuitive, organized.

You love hard, and are fiercely loyal.

You are dedicated, and hard-working.

And I am BEYOND excited to see where the future leads you.

Whatever your path, I know you will go far with God to lead your way.

Wishing you the very happiest birthday, and year to come!