Charlotte turns 13

Well, it is official ..... I now have two teenagers in the house, lol.  ˚Ü˚

Earlier this month we decided (as a family) that we needed to simplify the kids birthdays - it was starting to get out of control ...... buy this, take all the kids (ours and their guests) here, do this, etc., etc., etc.  So, what we decided is that they were allowed to invite one friend over and we would spend the day here, the birthday person chooses the supper meal and what they want for dessert (birthday cake/pie/jello/etc.).

We were all very pleased with how it turned out .... Charlotte invited Gina over (she wanted to invite a friend over for Josh, so that he would have someone to hang out with, but we said 'No' to that).  Her friend arrived at 2:00, they played for a bit, Charlotte opened presents and then they hung out in the family room (her friend was getting over a cold).  For supper, Charlotte chose sweet n' sour beef with rice and raw veggies .... for dessert, she made up some Jello with Cool Whip (it separates into layers) and butterscotch pudding for her guest (she doesn't like Jello).  After supper and dishes were done, we participated in Earth Hour and then Gina's parents came to pick her up and have tea with us.  It was a fantastic day and no one got stressed out from it ..... hope this plan is as successful when Josh's birthday rolls around.  ˚Ü˚

The skipping rope that I knit and felted for Charlotte - she absolutely loves it.  ˚Ü˚

Gift card to Greenhawk so she can get a riding helmet (from Gina).

T-shirt that matches Gina's (Gina's is blue instead of red).

Claddagh ring that we got for Charlotte.  ˚Ü˚

A Build-A-Bear (she also got some clothes and footwear with it) from Gina.

Knock-off Pandora bracelet with horse charms on it (from Josh).

Earrings that Josh gave her.

Season 3 of Heartland from Don ..... she was sooooooo excited to get this one (she already has the first 2 seasons of it).