Birthdays

 We started birthday week off with Tori turning 14 on the 20th. We had a large birthday party last year when she turned 13, and since events like that stress her out a bit, her first birthday request was not to have a party. We had a nice quiet family dinner and dirt cake. (Ok, now I have to admit that I paused from posting this to see if JD took any pictures on Tori's birthday, and neither of us did - I hate that! I do, however, have wonderful ones of her in the just received wedding photos, so they will be following shortly.)

The very next day was Alayna's birthday. Last year she desperately wanted one of Montana's puppies for her birthday, but Gabriel and I talked her out of it since she was pregnant with Samuel and they did not have a fenced in yard. My part of talking her out included, "Alayna, I will buy you a puppy down the road for your birthday when it's better timing than this year." Since Gabriel and Alayna bought a house this year with a nice big fenced in backyard, and Samuel is like the perfect baby, Alayna was ready for her puppy. I sent the money and she went through a dog rescue group. While the puppy she originally wanted was already adopted, she fell in love with this mystery puppy that was found dumped in New Mexico along the side of the road. Her name is Waffles and she is very in love with both Alayna and Samuel. It's pretty sweet since their other dog Diesel is very devoted to Nathan and Gabriel.  

 We skip the 22nd, but then have Bella's birthday on the 23rd. This year she is half way to grown and very much enjoyed turning 9! We celebrated with a trip to Sky Zone and then her dinner choice and cookie cake.