Monica's (very belated) birthday!

Monica started out her birthday in a very excited way - see?But let me back up a little....Yes, it has been almost 2 weeks since her birthday but I've already promised I won't elaborate with a long list of excuses so back to the post....Our birthday mornings around here often start in a very similar way - opening the present from Grammy and Grampy=) Since we usually have our parties later in the day and have to wait until then for presents, it has become a treat to start the day opening just one....the one that came in the mail a few days earlier (and has us in suspense) is often the one that gets picked. So here she is, sporting the two new tops from far away Georgia! Next on the agenda for the day was a trip to Rapid City with some friends and a pocket full of birthday money just waiting to be spent! A girl with only 10 months left before she heads to college has a loooong shopping list=) So - while she was gone for the afternoon, I set in play some things that I'd had up my sleeve for several weeks. I've been excited for this 17th birthday and wanting to make it extra special for Monica, after all it's her last birthday at home! So, while I dread it in one way, I was looking forward to it in another, hoping that she'd have a super fun day!

It all began with 6 teenagers meeting at the church at 5pm - then the first clue to the evenings 'treasure hunt' was handed out=) I became a silent (somewhat) observer as I drove the kids around to the different clues and took pictures while they met the different challenges to earn the next clue. For example, the first clue:
"At the first of the week he speaks in nice pants,
but not long ago he used to Hula dance..."
This of course took us to the home of our Hawaiian pastor where he had a list of Bible quiz questions prepared for them.

Thanks Pastor Matt and Kellie! The next clue took them to the home of our patriotic-dressing friend where in order to earn clue #3 Monica had to 'gallop' around her yard on a pony and sing "Yankee Doodle".

Thanks Betty Meils!

The next stop was given away by the clue ending with a "High Four"....but you'll see that in a minute. At the Coleman's each teen had to fill their hand with poprocks, toss it in their mouth, blow up a balloon, and be the first to pop it=)It presented quite a challenge!The winner of that game was Jeremiah so he earned the privilege of reading the final clue.... But we couldn't leave before the ceremonial "High Four" between Mr. Coleman and Monica....let me explain. It's a cruel joke really - Gail lost his wedding ring finger in an accident and has suffered the brunt of Matthew's teasing - thankfully he takes it well=)

Thank you Gail and Sherry!

And the final clue led the kids to the Blue Bison where almost 40 people had gathered to await the arrival of our Birthday Girl. Monica knew something was going on but she was so surprised to see all the people there and had such a fun time (I hope!) celebrating her day with lots of friends from church as well as Cornerstone!The Blue Bison is not that big but we tucked lots of people back in a small room and Monica made her rounds chatting with people that had come.Here she is with Liz Campbell, her youth leader.I'd taken some games along to help entertain the masses=)

Dutch Blitz, Jungle Speed (thanks again, Lincoln and Sheena), and Operation were the favorites.

Then it was present time - she had quite a pile! Not only were there presents but also some gift cards and more birthday money=) A sweet homemade gift full of college goodies from Tarin, the long awaited rubber boots (!!!),

the equally anticipated jean jacket, and the lotions in a somewhat questionable bag from Laurie=)

All in all I think it was a good day for her=) After the party Bianca, one of her friends, came over to spend the night. Since we didn't have a cake that day we saved the specially requested "Seriously Chocolaty Cheesecake" for a couple days later when things settled down. It was a hit with everyone=)

Seventeen years old.....WOW!!!!!!!!

Daddy and I love you bunches and bunches!!!