A Big Birthday Brings Joy To Some, Pain To Me [Birthdays]

Almost a month ago I mentioned that I was way behind here; I’m much further behind now. I’m going to blame it on Madysen turning 16 and beginning to drive. It’s a wonder my heart still beats.

Anyway, here’s a short little recap on what went down related to her birthday. I’m hoping this will be cathartic for me.

• Dallas Summer Musicals’ Mary Poppins. This was a girls only event. Emma was less than impressed.
• Since Mary Poppins was at Fair Park during the State Fair of Texas, they did the fried food bonanza that the Fair necessitates. So fried pecan pie, fried peaches and cream, pork rinds, fried Reese’s peanut butter cup, plus Emma and Layla shared a gigantic turkey leg while Madysen and Holly each had their first Fletcher’s Corny Dog.
• Painting more of the pottery Emma and Layla made at camp this summer. Aside from the mugs, bowls, and vases is a pig dog that Emma made. Very interesting.
• Excellent family dinner at Villa-O with Pacuigo’s gelato for dessert.
• On her actual birthday, we grilled out teriyaki chicken, opened presents, and Sprinkles cupcakes before she and I headed out to her soccer game, which didn’t go particularly well.
• She got her license. Her first drive was a quick trip to a friend’s house. When she returned, she was excited that she only ran over one curb. When I expressed disappointment, she retorted: “It wasn’t our curb!”
• And in an attempt to draw this thing out at long as possible, she’ll be spending next weekend with friends out at my parents’ place in the middle of nowhere.

Looks like I’m going to make it, but every time Madysen grabs the car key, I’m not so sure.