Ten Is A Wonderful Number

It's Caely's birthday. She means so much to our family. She's always helping her siblings and Chris and me. She works really hard to help make people happy, so we really wanted to return the favor and make her feel as special as she does us. 

We decided to throw her a surprise party. I only told Tyler so he could help me get her to the park where we planned on having it. We took the invitations to the parents and the girls did a great job not spilling the beans to Caely at school. 

 I told Tyler and Caely I had to run errands and that when I got home I wanted to take Caely on a birthday date. I left with the two youngest and told them in the car what we were up to. They were so excited and couldn't wait to help out. We headed to the park to decorate and meet her friends.

 Caely's cute friend, Tess was a big help. She decorated and played lookout and instructed the girls on what to do when Caely arrived.

 In the mean time, there was lots of playing...

 At home, Tyler asked Caely to go on a short bike ride with him. When they got close to the park he called to let me know where they were so we could be ready. He told Caely he just wanted to show her a quick trick at the park, so they headed towards us.

 We hid behind the garbage cans and when it came time...

 S.U.R.P.R.I.S.E.!!!!

 Caely had no idea. It was fun to see her reaction. She was a little overwhelmed at first but then jumped right in to host mode, making sure everyone had a good time. Silly girl.

 Aunt Teresa planned this amazing treasure hunt for the girls to follow. It was so creative, having the girls use their senses and their smarts to figure out the clues. Each girl got a turn to be the leader or be the head "figure outer".

 The treasure was the pinata, hiding in the car.

 I can't believe this sweet girl is 10!

 Sunday the family came over for more celebration. Caely loves ice cream, so we had an ice cream bar and she got to go spend the night at her Grandma Leslie's for a birthday sleep over. Since she wasn't going to be home for her birthday, we let her open her presents early.

 What a little teenager she's turning out to be. I love it!

(She did not get an itouch, that's just a picture that came with her chair pillow she got for her birthday)


Caely, we love you. You bring us so much joy and happiness. You are so smart and kind and thoughtful. You touch a special place in our hearts. I hope you know what a blessing you are to our family. You are going to do great things in your life and I'm glad I get to watch you do them.