Gabby's 16th Birthday

Here's what I can show you from Gabby's day of birthday celebration! Cinnamon rolls for breakfast on a bright, sunny morning . . . a gift she's always wanted from Graysen (one of those Newton's Cradle tap tap swinging ball things you find on office desks--mesmerizing!)





Next we did a vehicle parade with a couple vanloads of friends at a drive-through safari park. We didn't see many animals, lots of smelly elk, a bunch of birds (their marsh show was pretty loud and interesting), and all the bison on a hill. Interestingly the bison plains were covered with pretty purple flowers, which reminded me of the Laura Ingalls Wilder books that talked about the purple prairie flowers that grew in buffalo rings. Maybe the same thing? Halfway through, our near neighbors texted and said, "I think you're just a couple of vehicles behind us!" There were a million cars, so that they spotted us was impressive. Actually, they first spotted our NGFs' mega-van behind us, lol! It stands out in a crowd :)





From the parking lot (we weren't supposed to get out ANYWHERE in the park), we internet ordered lunch at Gabby's restaurant of choice. After some lunch in the sunshine, we lit the candles on her specially requested, specially made birthday cake (technically cakes of this size are not supposed to be made because they encourage large group gatherings . . . we might have pulled some strings :) She was delighted! It was so pretty, too, with the bright flowers! We handed cake out to the neighbor kids later that afternoon from the back deck :)





Buck and I took care of the birthday decorations this year, since we had a few bums in the group who didn't want to (okay, one twisty streamer in orange about the girls' bedroom--lame!!!) :) Gabby opened a big stack of gifts from family and friends and looked through cards she'd received in the mail, which turned into an impromptu birthday song, which I only managed to record half of . . . I mean, I tried! :)








Three families of friends practicing social distancing on Gabby's birthday. We've missed our small group and our kids have missed their friends! Also, we are clearly the underachievers when it comes to these family groups and their kid count :)














And for supper Buck grilled up chicken drummies with Jack Stack sauce, and made homemade chili for chili dogs--by Gabby's request. Then they watched the NFL Draft, which is usually on Buck's birthday, so what a treat!





The next day, Maga's gift box arrived with mask-making supplies, a new game, and a bunch of other odds and ends. Birthday fun continues! :)



It's a strange time to turn 16 or any age, I suppose. God always allows a little specialness even when it looks like celebrating will be a challenge. Gabby has a bright future ahead of her, and we can't wait to see how God uses the unique aspects of her character and interests to make the world a better place, even if it's just a little corner of the world--although she says she'd like to see it all :) Wonder where she gets that from? ;)