A 14 hour birthday party...

that wasn't a sleepover?!?

So, Miss Gwen bid adieu to year 8.

Now it must be mighty fine to turn 9,

since she celebrated for over a month. ;)

Her farewell began with a solo trip to Grandpa Dean and Grandma Buzz's.

And boy did they celebrate!

Rock climbing, baking, crafts, piano...

they did it all. :)

Then on her actual day of birth, we got to celebrate as a family, a la sushi and gifts.

A Garate fav. ♥

Follow that up with a rockin' birthday box from Grandpa Ben and Grandma Judy

and an American Girl Store shopping session with Nana

and you'd think this girl had done all that 9 could offer.

But we had one more "to do" on the birthday agenda. ;)

Take on 6 Flags with the girlfriends.

And boy, did they do it right. ;)

We started off with muffins, fruit, egg burritos and party favors.

Each party guest got a matching shirt, candy and a little spending moolah.

Now if you put 10 girlies together with sharpies and matching shirts,

they have no choice but have an impromptu "signing party". ;)

Our party girls. ♥

FYI: If you try and take pictures at an amusement park, you end up with a lot of these.

Well, I guess this one's not too bad. ;)

One of our favorite rides at 6 Flags is the rafting ride...

mainly because we can pay a quarter to squirt the riders. ;)

Hands down, the best spent 25 cents... ever!

No, scratch that, make that the best 50 cents we ever spent. ;)

Now Gwen was this close to being tall enough to ride every ride... alone.

But for the bumper cars, she needed to go w/ an "adult".

Or in this case, someone ~2 inches taller than her. ;)

So, Conner helped her out.

Males and females as teenagers.

Boy drives crazy, girl hangs on for dear life.

Males and females as adults.

Boy tries to drive, while girl gives "constructive critcism". ;)

Hey wait, how'd that smart car get on there?!? ;)

Proof that Ty and Kennedy went too...

aaand that Kennedy agrees that Ty doesn't even try to smile for the camera. ;)

Well, the girls had so much fun, we didn't get to Mary's Pizza Shack until 8:30 pm. 

Or home for delish ice cream cupcakes and presents until 10.

But these girls didn't let that slow them down.

No sir-ree... ;)

Happy Birthday Gwen!

We're so happy (and thankful) that you were able to celebrate a great birthday with such great friends.

We pray that this year will be full of much 

growth,

laughter,

adventure,

love,

silliness,

joy,

and love for our God.

We love and treasure you more than we could ever express in words.

Enjoy your last year in the single digits, girl! ;)

Love,

Mom and Dad

♥♥♥