Melissa's 11th Birthday

My sweet Melissa turned 11 today! I can't believe she is almost a teenager. I can't be that old! She has been so excited to grow up & these past few months I have really seen a change in her--both in physical appearance & maturing. I think she has grown at least 2 inches in the past 2 months. She is the best help with my other kids & I have loved having a babysitter at home. I try not to take advantage of her too often. =) She is really excited for Middle School and can't wait to be in the Young Woman's program next year.

Melissa requested for one of her presents this year to have breakfast in bed. She sees Jake & I get it & thought it would be fun for her, too. I think she really enjoyed it.

We went over the Grandma & Grandpa Yorgason's house to go swimming for a little bit. The water felt so good & the kids love jumping off the diving board. It's always fun to go to Grandma & Granpda's house & get big hugs from them.

Melissa got to choose what she wanted for dinner, so she decided to go out to eat. She first thought of Tepanyaki--a Japanese Steak House. Jake & I went there a few weeks ago & thought Allie & Brooklyn would probably not find much on the menu they would like, so they went to my sister's house. We took the 3 older girls & headed down there. This restaurant has been around a really long time (I remember going there in high school) and it looks that old. We told the kids not to worry cause the food is really good & they cook the food right in front of you. It's really entertaining. We got inside around 6:30 & were told that a table might be ready by 8 PM. I was shocked. Last time we went, it didn't get busy until around 7:30 so I thought we would have plenty of time. I didn't think we would need reservations at this place. I guess others don't mind the dumpiness of it either. Like I said, the food is really good. So, after checking another restaurant, Melissa decides to go to Olive Garden. It was now 7 PM & I thought for sure it would be at least a 30 minute wait (or more). My kids were hungry & I didn't know how much longer they would last. Poor Melissa--it's her birthday & we are just driving around trying to find some place to eat. We got to Olive Garden & we were told 10 minutes. I was shocked. It actually ended up being even less, so we were all very happy.

Melissa requested for her dessert to have her own cheesecake. She was so excited to eat it all on her own.

Happy Birthday Melissa!! I hope you had a wonderful day. You are loved by so many people. You are growing up to be a beautiful, caring, sensitive, understanding, thoughtful, spiritual, intelligent, talented young woman. Your parents are very proud of you & the decisions you make. We hope you continue to grow & mature into the person we know you can become! WE LOVE YOU, MISSY!!