Taylor turns 13!

I'm seriously not sure where the time has gone, but Taylor turned 13 officially today! She managed to squeak through the day without getting any birthday spankings, and she was fortunate to be called home from school early today.  She was even more excited that her brother, Sean, stayed as long as he could so he could wish her a happy birthday before returning to college.

After she completed her homework, she got to take her new (pre-paid) credit card and money to Target where she shopped to her heart's content. She picked and chose her items clearly thinking about the importance of the purchases, and I really wish that I could have taken a video of her dancing up and down with joy at purchasing her very own hair straightener - WITH.HER.OWN.MONEY!  (I hope you're getting the idea of her giddiness.)

Once we were done shopping, Taylor and I went to her restaurant of choice - Applebee's - and had an appetizer while we waited for Dad and her sisters.  She was going crazy at the booth giggling and acting very strange. She has suddenly figured out that I will sit quietly and just watch her because she hates the quiet and will talk about anything and everything.  Taylor sat up straight and looked at me with serious admiration and wonder, "You're just sitting there letting me tell you all of my secrets!"  Yep, she is learning that I am an evil genius!!

Ken showed up with Mandy and Jordan after Taylor and I had been there for an hour already. She was complaining she was bored, but then she and her sisters went berserk in the booth during supper.  

By the time the waiter brought her the birthday sundae, they were all crazy!

The girls were totally hyped up on energy, but Taylor said that we somehow managed to make this the best birthday ever. She said she was amazed because each birthday is incredible, and she can't figure out how Ken and I manage to make them better and better.  Awwwwwwww! 

It's great for me to watch the wonderful young woman that she is turning in to, and I just keep crossing my fingers that it keeps going so well!