Aubrey's 17th Celebration

We celebrated Aubrey's 17th birthday a few times: her actual b-day, a Sunday night family party and a friend party.

 We sure love this girl of ours.  She adds a lot of spice to our lives.  Just a few ways she adds the spice: "griddies" from room to room, attacks me by the throat &/or pushes me to the couch at the slightest perceived offense, hangs out loudly & often at the house with her group of friends.  Life would be pretty boring without her. (Although my neck and back might be in better shape!)

I stayed up super late and designed/printed/weeded/applied this surprise on her car.  She seemed pleased and that made me happy.  On a side note, the paint on the roof of the kid car is declining quickly.  Many years ago, Brian and I heard a parenting tip that a teen car should be "old, ugly, and slow," and I think we've done a great job in following that advise.😆😆😆  It is a 2014 Honda Civic though, so it definitely has good bones.  But back to the b-day girl...

She's a silly girl and is always making these dramatic noises and faces.  I loved her fun reaction when she opened up her body pillow.  We also gave her a few treats and plane tickets to fly to Utah and visit Brinley and Lauron.  She was surprised and happy about that gift.  Brinley and Parker planned ahead and left b-day gifts here before they headed back to school.  Bryn gave her Dr. Pepper socks, and Parker gave her makeup brushes.  She was a fan of both!

We invited Tanner & familly to join us for a b-day dinner in Midland at Chuy's.

Tanner and Erin gave her a $25 gift card to Sephora, and she was giddy!  We had to stop by on the way home for her to check out the makeup and decide what to buy.

When we got home, there was a surprise on the front porch from Hannah Conner, her very sweet and cool Young Women's leader.  It made Aubrey's night.  I could tell she felt seen and loved.  Just thinking about Hannah's kindness makes me teary.  

A Crumbl cookie and a gift card to Target to buy a book.  Wow!  Thanks Hannah!

On Sunday, we had the family party during at the Birds.  Chris and Ang (and La...in Utah) gave her card with the promise of a b-day lunch and shopping trip to buy jeans.  Finding jeans when your 5'10" is tough and expensive.  It was a thoughtful and fun gift.  Aub and Ang went the next Saturday.  They had a great time together, and Aub came home looking so cute when she modeled her new jeans.

The Birds gave her a crochet starter kit.  She was thrilled.  Now she has a little Fred of her own to make.

Fred

Brit was the cutest and came over late on Sunday night when Aub was a little confused on getting started correctly.  She is excited that Aubrey is wanting to learn, and they have had some other "Fred" meetups since.  Brit and Ang are her seminary teachers, and their love for Aubrey and hers for them is even stronger due to the past year and a half.  I seriously love these amazing women in Aubrey's life.  (Brit, Ang, Hannah)

A picture from their lunch and shopping date.

She was grabbing something from her top cabinet and I had her model her new jeans. 

If this is seeming like the post that never ends, it is because Aubrey had the 17th celebrations that never ended.  She celebrated with her friends a week after her b-day because they had the day off of school for MLK day.  Aubrey made and carried out the plans which made for a great party for me.  We ordered balloons and a backdrop for a photo shoot.  I bought pizza, made a cake and set out snacks.   Other than that, it was all Aub and friends creating the fun.

Her besties: Maiya, Parker, Nissi & Macy

Parker is always good to help set up/clean up in the kitchen.

Of course, I made the family favorite candy bar cake.  It is a yellow cake mix with chocolate pudding and a cool whip/powdered sugar frosting topped with crushed Butterfinger.  Delishs!

Happy Birthday Aub Daub.  We love you!