Birthdays, They're Kind of an Annual Thing. Cheers for Brooklyn!

Happy, happy birthday to my amazing girl!

No, not the one whose birthday was yesterday (although happy birthday to her too).  Happy birthday to Brooklyn whose birthday was mid-December.

As Brooklyn and I were talking, I suggested that perhaps we ought not acknowledge her special day and then we could pretend it didn't happen.  Seventeen!  I'm just not ready.  There are moments when we both feel like childhood is flying by too fast.  But the truth is, the world really did become a better place the moment she was born and the day deserves to be celebrated.  No tastier way than with Papa K Cakes for breakfast.  (Brooklyn coined the name as a youngster when she couldn't say Puff Oven/Pop-up/Popeye Pancakes.)

The original birthday celebration plans included playing frisbee at Sugarhouse Park with her friends.  Here they are giving it their best shot, despite Mother Nature's interference.  Hard to see a white disc!

The upside to all the snow was sledding!

Here are Finn and Eli working to build a ramp.

We even talked Uncle Justin and Ruby into joining us for the fun.

Not so little, but still Daddy's girl.

After sledding, we all headed to Sawadee for dinner.  It felt so amazing to dine in!  (It'd been a LOOONG time.)  As for the kids, they seem to be thoroughly enjoying whatever is on Brooklyn's phone.  In proper teen fashion, Brooklyn is a bit addicted to her device (aren't we all?), but does a pretty good job keeping it in check by setting limits for herself.  For example, she doesn't have any social media accounts.  Can't find her on Instagram, but I can pretty much guarantee she's seen Mark Rober's newest release.

Once the food arrived, we had everyone's full attention.  Nothing short of heavenly.  We love Sawadee!

Back at home, it was time to open presents.  New cleats and a Spotify account!

We also celebrated with a tasty banana raspberry cake.

Note the halo.  Brooklyn really must be angelic.

Best thing is, she shares this goodness and brings out the best in others--even little sisters!

Writing about Brooklyn makes me fell all teary-eyed--she really is SO MUCH FUN to spend time with!  She's radiates hope and optimism, yet she's compassionate and a great listener when you've had a hard day.  She's enthusiastic, adventuresome, and annoyingly brilliant.  She works SO hard, staying up late to do calculus homework, then getting up early to practice cello before heading to early morning seminary with a smile.  She's tackling a rigorous International Baccalaureate Education, doing a stellar job as a girl representative for GS Utah's board, performing with the Utah Youth Philharmonic, and playing Ultimate every spare moment she can find.  Her hard work is paying off--when it comes to college, the world is her oyster.  I think most anywhere would be delighted to have her (and it really would be their gain.) 

Amazingly though, in talking about college, she always includes schools closer to home as well.  She loves her family; no matter where she goes, it's really important to her that she be a part of her siblings' lives.  Don't worry sweetheart--no matter what you choose, you will be.  There will always be a place for you here.  We love you, Brooklyn McCall!  Happy, happy birthday!

More December: Dazzling or Diabolical?

December can be horrendously busy.  I took this picture from our family calendar on one of those days when I wanted to be cry because it felt like I was dropping ALL the balls.

In December there are gifts to be made...

Projects to be assembled...

...and cards to be designed.  (These next photos were all taken at a fun youth activity.)

We chat with neighbors (this is Annika with her friend Elaine Clark)...

...and catch up with Santa.

These pictures came from our neighbor Liz's Legendary Santa Celebration.  Here's Liz...

...and here's Liz with her daughters and their friends.  What a party!

It wouldn't be December without the Nutcracker.  Brooklyn played cello in this sweet performance...

...but got to sit back and enjoy this professional performance with Ballet West.

Oh, and let's not forget the stress of December finals.  I've figured out a way to make studying an indulgence by printing out all my notes and soaking in a hot bath as I cram until the water goes cold. 

One of the best feelings in December, however, is waking up to a thick blanket of snow...

Even if it does mean a lot of shoveling.  Eli is the best help!

Fair warning: corner homes require a LOT of digging out.

Even the morning commute seems magical.  (Assuming you manage to get out of the neighborhood.)

Best be careful: not only are the roads slippery but the stop signs are camouflaged as well.

I ended up walking to Wasatch four times that day: to drop Eli off at the bus, to take Annie to school, to help with the science fair, and finally to pick Annika up.  There was a two-hour late start, but school must go on!  Truth is, I didn't mind.  It felt like I was wandering through a snow globe.

Plus, we got to meet up with our friend Becky and the three dogs she walks.

On a day like this, you might need a full snowsuit to take out the trash.

In the late afternoon, I finally took Annie and Eli sledding.  We found a fun track near the Senior Center where Brooklyn and Talia were performing as part of the Mundi Project.

The track was fast!  The good news is they'd built a snowy ridge at the end to keep you from sledding into the street.  The bad news is Annika went right over several times.  For a moment I though we were headed to the ER, but we narrowly escaped disaster.

Perfect ending to a dazzling December day.