Aloha 11.

Aloha to this 11 year old. You sneaked up on me. How did another year go by so fast ? 

You are gentle-hearted, kind and beautiful inside and out. Today we celebrated you! 

Plan A was to celebrate at the beach. We bought a ridiculously gigantic swan that would fit a dozen of your friends but sadly the weather did not agree and to your dad’s dismay, we have to store the oversized swan for it to make it’s grand debut for your birthday next year. 

Most kids would have been disappointed but you are such an easy going girl, you didn’t mind switching venues and having the party at home. Other than some panicked house cleaning and hauling the mess in our bedroom, the house appeared ready and welcoming for all your friends:

We tried to get the bunny into the party mood but he wasn’t really feeling it:

Plan A entertainment was sailing the giant inflatable swan but since we couldn’t do that, I spent an hour filling up water balloons instead and the girls had a blast with them on the trampoline. 

Apparently filling regular balloons with water is not the same as “real” water balloons because the ones we had were virtually indestructible. It took 10 girls, a eager little brother and a lot of squishing and jumping to burst the balloons. Can you hear the high pitched scream in the photos?

I think sugar-high included squeals and lots of girly giggles means they had a good time.

And when you are 11, the best thing ever is being matchy-match with your friends so Nallie was so excited to give all her besties matching sea turtle necklaces 

Can’t believe this beauty is heading off to middle school next year. I know everyone says parenting a pre-teen/teenager is difficult so I’m bracing myself but honestly this sweet girl has been a joy to parent. 

Soaking up these years because they are passing by too fast! Happy birthday to my favourite girl.