Happy 13th Birthday Briley!

This past weekend we celebrated Briley's 13th birthday.  She had been a bit down about not being able to have her friends over to celebrate with her.  She said she finally had a Saturday birthday and it was wasted because of the stay at home order.  The next time she has a Saturday birthday, she will be in college which is so hard to believe.  Originally, we should have had our elementary schools 5k happening the morning of her birthday so I had already planned to have a big sign put in our yard so that people would see it as they ran by our house during the race.  We went ahead and still had the sign put up, and she was so excited to see it that morning along with a sweet sign that her friend made and put to our door with pictures.  The morning was off to a great start with the sign and her favorite breakfast rolls.
My Mom came into to town about 11:15 or so.  We took Briley outside to get a picture with her sign, and that is when we started to hear horns and sirens.  She said, "It sound like someone is getting a birthday parade." Right then it turned the corner, and her smile said it all.  She was grinning from ear to ear as each car passed by our house.  Right in the middle of that parade came Grandma and Papa along with Ellie, Bennett, Miles, Caroline, Jared, Emmie, and Sully.  Briley had no idea that Ellie was coming so she was really excited when she saw her pop her head out of the car window.  They stopped to sing happy birthday and they each brought her signs and gifts. Although she didn't get to have her usual party with friends, it was so much fun to see them all show up to make her day special.
The rest of the day was spent enjoying the beautiful weather.  That night for dinner we had Mi Ranchito since she loves Mexican, and then it was present time.  She was excited about all the things she got.  She has some new fun clothes that fit her a little better, hydroflask with stickers, mega lego blocks, water flosser, certificate to get her nails done, scuba mask, new shoes, and a sweet necklace and picture celebrating her 13th year.
Once she was done opening her gifts, we watched a video that I had made of all her family and friends wishing her a happy birthday.  It turned out to be such a fun video that had everyone laughing, and a great keepsake to remember this birthday.
We had cheesecake, and ice cream for those that didn't like cheesecake for dessert, and then our neighbor had brought us some sparklers to celebrate the big birthday so the kids were excited about that as the finale to the night.  As she was going off to bed I asked her how her day was and she said it was the best, and she was sad to see it come to an end.  It turned out better than what she ever thought it could be.
What was great about the day is that we got to really focus on her without running to 4 soccer games, a race, and softball/baseball games.  It wasn't just squeezed in sometime during a busy day.  We were all able to just relax and enjoy it, and that is what makes it truly the best.  The one great thing about this time is that we get to be home, and maybe we broke the rules having some family here, but it was so wonderful to see everyone.
Briley, earlier this year your Aunt Sara sent me a quote that she said reminded her of you.  As you enter these teenage years and all the ups and downs it will bring, I want you to keep this in the back of your mind.
"She was one of the rare ones, so effortlessly herself, and the world loved her for it." Atticus Finch
Always stay true to yourself because we all love you for the person you are.  We love that spunky, independent, strong willed, not going to back down, mother hen, sporty, and kind girl. These qualities will take you so far.  Just keep smiling that smile, and doing your own thing and know that we are right here supporting you in all you do.  Love You!
Briley's Favorites
Color: Teal
Movie: Lion King
Favorite place to be: Disneyland
TV Show: Anne with an E
Food: Chips and queso
Song: Come and Get Your Love
Sport: All of them
Team: Cardinals, Chiefs, Sporting KC
What makes you happy: Going to sporting events
What you want to be when you grow up: Physical therapist