13!

This smiley new teen had one heck of a celebration.  The partying started Friday afternoon with 16 young ladies, an aunt, a grandma, a mom, and 40 miles to our destination.  The clubhouse at Maple Ridge was prepped and ready for this load of estrogen.  With two pots of soup, ample rolls, cupcake cones, play dough ice cream, and 10 pre-planned games, this building was about to get rocking.  Ashlyn has been planning this "Farewell to childhood" since last July.  With dozens of invitation prototypes, and weather dependent scenarios, she had it all figured out two weeks before the big day.  I simply followed orders and helped carry out her plans.  It could not have happened without Aunt Jamie and Grandma Kash. 

(Photo's from Left to right, not mentioning Ash: Jordyn, Summer's gift, Avari, Hailey, Eiley, Janica, Daniella, Kenzie, Emerie, Gracie, Kaylee and Calla, Izzy, Jordyn, Brynn, Tesla, Kadi)
After the clubhouse festivities, the crowd headed down the road to grandma's primed basement, piles of blankets, more sweets and treats, and the movie, "Finding Dory".  Each girl claimed a piece of carpet and either fell asleep, quietly chatted in Jamie's room, or stayed up to watch the show.  The photo below is at 8:30 Saturday morning before I went upstairs to make the requested "Cinnamon-Roll Pancakes" (Which were a big hit!)

Sunday Ashlyn was excited to wear her new dress(from grandma), scarf (from Izzy), and jewelry (from Avari) to church and was even tempted to wear the ensemble to dinner at Grandma's.

Monday, the actual Birthday, Ash woke up to cinnamon french toast (this girl really likes her cinnamon covered carbs) and two gifts that included a Fitbit (the kind she can swim with) and the outfit with the floral leggings... the other outfits and desk she received after school, before we went to her favorite, Olive Garden and their Chicken Alfredo, for dinner.  (We did check her out for lunch at Cafe Rio, she loves to get their chicken quesadillas...with chicken on the side.)

We absolutely adore this spunky teen and are constantly impressed with the young woman she is choosing to become.  Here are some of her current trends:

Favorite home cooked meal: Fettucini Alfredo
Favorite Eat-out meal: Breadsticks from Olive Garden
Favorite subject in school: Math
Favorite after school activity: Netflix
Favorite movie: Cars 1 and 2
Important worldly items: Golden Pineapple (new bday gift) & iphone, and laptop
Favorite article of clothing: plaid shirts
When she grows up she wants to be a Vet
There are no boys on her radar, but admits that eventually she may.
She likes horses and turtles and planning the future re-decorating of her room.
Her favorite book is Heartland (which happens to be her favorite TV show)
She equally enjoys the company of her family to her friends.
She does not like lengthy statements about herself.... and is ready for this interview to end.
You can go now,
I love you Ashlyn Grace White.