Adulting

 Somehow, we made it to Victoria's 18th birthday. True her typical excitable, social, never-ending-need for fun personality, Victoria could not wait until she turned 18 and became an adult! She especially couldn't wait for her birthday party, which of course we still held - why stop when you love your friends so much?

It was a busy day for me, so she did the decorating and a lot of the cleaning and planning, though I helped plan a few games since we had to change the venue of the party.

We were originally planning on having it at the park, but with her high ankle sprain and the need to wear a boot, we didn't think running around the park and playing sports all evening long would be the best idea, so we changed it to our house.

It was made even more special by the fact that Grandpa Dave and Grandma Mary Lou happened to be in town for their yearly visit. (See more specific details in the next post on their visit).

We served pizza, all forms of spicy chips (Takis, Hot Cheetos, Jalapeno Potato Chips), carrots, grapes, Fresca, and brownies. The teens ate, chatted, played a few games, jumped on our trampoline, and then left for the park in our neighborhood (because why not?). During that time, I went with my Dad and Mary Lou and Jason to see Kai's community performance for the marching band. Austin and Erik were still at home to help "supervise". Though apparently there was some drama caused by some of the boys attending the party. Yes, you heard that right- drama from the boys, not the girls! I think the party overall was super fun, but the drama put a little damper on it and Victoria wasn't happy at church the next day. However, by the time Tuesday rolled around and she was an official "adult", things had been smoothed out and she felt much better. She also decided that since she was 18, she shouldn't let those younger friends of hers get under her skin so much.

On her birthday, she brought cinnamon rolls to seminary and enjoyed a delicious Puerto Rican dinner that Jason made. After school, Grandma Mary Lou and I accompanied her to Ulta for her free gift, where she got a bonus gift from Grandma as well. She went to dance class that evening to see her friends there, even though she wasn't quite ready to dance yet, due to her injury. She enjoyed all the cards and gifts that were sent by friends and loved ones. She really does love all her friends and family and considers everyone to be her favorite. That girl has a huge heart!

The miracle of her ankle sprain is this: she went to do baptisms at the temple the week before her birthday and immediately afterwards, felt a difference in her ankle, for the better. When she went there with her boot on, they told her she didn't need to get in the water, but she wanted to do the work for her ancestors and experience the blessings that come from that. The boot is removable, so it was easy for her to take it off. She hobbled in with difficulty, but when she came out, she could feel a difference. She still wore the boot and iced it as much as she could. Two days ago, just 10 days after attending the temple, I felt her leg and the lump is gone! It was still very prevalent 10 days earlier, but not now! We have a smaller wrap for her to wear now to make sure she doesn't reinjure it at track practice or dance, but we are so happy for the miracle of healing that came to her in the temple and as she continued to take care of herself. What a special birthday blessing!

I can't wait to see what is in store for her for the rest of her senior year and the next year or two as she begins a new chapter in her life. She's also excited to vote next month! Happy 18th Birthday, Victoria!

Before the party

Party Attendee's Shoes!

Birthday morning!

They got her a watch!

Nice perfume!

PR Pork!

Coupon for throwing shoes!

Discus bag

Kai got her a gift card and a candle.

Guess who can blow out 18 candles in one breath? This big-mouthed, large-lung beauty!

Doubles!