These are a few of her favorite things (and she is one of mine)

Continuing on with my outdated, unblogged photo...and speaking of birthday girls...

Corynn turned sweet 16 back when the grass was still green and feet were still bare.  We don't really 'do' birthday parties for the children, opting instead for a themed party that the whole family can enjoy each summer.   

I make exception for a sweet 16th though.

Because of a series of events that were sandwiched in and around those few days (a barn dance, sleepover, hosting a church gathering, etc.), we decided four days before that Saturday would be the best time to do it.

I had hopes of making it a lot more lavish than it was, but Corynn assured me that as long as her dearest friends were there and there were outdoor games to play, she'd be delighted with any party at all.  

I tried to include some of her favorite things- like neon green, flowers and disguises.  Her art was the invitation and the favors were one of her most favorite art supplies, water brushes. I made stir fry and apple crisp (her birthday feast requests) for a crowd.  And of course, there were games.  

It was VERY low key.  I wish I could have devoted more time to make it extra special for her.  But her favorite people were there and people are always much more important than details.  

Ack!  Look at little scrawny month-old Moses!

Millie forced her to play the guitar in front of everyone!  But sometimes it is really the best kind of friend that forces you to do hard things.  

Well done, Corynn!  (And well done, Millie!)

Human Pinata Boys.  Because a party full of girls just calls for a few boys to tackle, if you ask me.

Look at that hair!  Unlike Jo, it isn't her 'one beauty'.  But it certainly is one of them!

This girl loves me so much she let me make her a flower crown!  And then let me take pictures of her in it!

She'll have a few extra jewels in her heavenly crown for doing it too.

For a special gift for her, I secretly mailed pre-stamped, pre-addressed postcards to the many godly women in her life asking them to mail her advice, bible verses, book recommendations or tidbits of wisdom that will help and encourage her as she grows and matures into womanhood. 



I wish everyone could have seen how excited she was to receive them!  (Thank you, my friends, to those of you who mailed her some love!)  It was one of the greatest gifts she could have gotten.  (And we have very wise friends!)

Corynn, you are so lovely, in so many wonderful ways.  You give your Papa and I such joy.  

And I don't want to let you go.

So I won't.  

So there.