Twelve Delayed

Pen turned 12 on Saturday. I find it a little hard to believe, but it's true. Rophone had to work all day on her birthday (he had to leave the house at about 5:30 am and didn't get home until 11:30 pm), so we decided to wait until we could all be together to celebrate. Pen was bummed not to see her dad on her big day, but was cool about waiting. She really wanted everyone to be there. Since Rophone had to work Sunday, too, and Pen had school followed by ballet on Monday, that meant that Tuesday was when it would have to be. 


She did manage to do something fun on her birthday, though. She loves going to the library with friends, so I suggested she invite a few friends to go to the library with her for a few hours. I sent them with cupcakes to eat before they went in, and the friends brought gifts, so I guess that I managed to throw her a birthday party with no real work on my part. Not the way such things usually go, so bonus for me. 


Tuesday finally arrived (I'm sure Pen felt like it took forever), and it just so happened that the kids had an odd day off school. Rophone took the day off work, too, so we managed to spend the whole day celebrating Pen's birthday as a family. It was a lot of fun.


For breakfast I made a sausage and egg strata/casserole that Pen had been wanting to try. She really loved it, although I don't think my attempt at trying to make it healthier by using chicken sausage will be repeated. Not with that chicken sausage anyway. 


After lunch, we headed to the bookstore as a family where Pen was able to spend a gift card one of her friends had given her. We all had a grand time. I am so glad that all of my kids have such a great appreciation for books.


Dinner was Pen-requested burritos. We were all glad that she requested them, since it's been too long since I have made them. They really are too good to go so long without. Rophone just might request them again for his birthday next month.


When dinner was finished, we let Pen start in on her presents. The 'Hunger Games' boxed set was a big hit.

Of course, the underwear was, too. I have well rounded children.

You probably can't guess who picked out the paper for the next one...

Pen loved all of her gifts and, not surprisingly, was anxious to move on to the cake and ice cream.

We were impressed that she managed to get them out with one blow. I mean, considering that it was just a few years ago that she made it look like I was using trick candles when I wasn't. Way to be full of hot air, Pen!


It really ended up being an enjoyable and fun birthday. Well I think it did, anyway. I don't know what Pen's favorite part was, but I know that mine was this lovely card Ginger made for Pen:

I found the back of it to be especially touching. 

Ahhhh. The love of sisters. Happy Birthday, Pen!