Ainsley is 12!

On Friday we celebrated Ainsley's 12th birthday. We woke up extra early so she could open presents from family because after school was going to be one continuous party with her friends. Plus Kaylee had basketball practice that evening, so she and Chris weren't going to be there for part of her celebration. 

In December I secured tickets for Ainsley to go see Taylor Swift (her all time favorite) and have been holding on to them for her birthday. It was soooo hard not to tell her. She was thrilled!

 

I was very impressed with Kaylee. She's hoping for a ticket for her birthday, but there wasn't one complaint about not getting a ticket as well.  She is going too, but she won't know it until her birthday (shhh, don't tell).

After school, two of Ainsley's friends came home with her. They decorated her cake together (Ainsley's request). She also found and made a cute party favor that was an idea in her American Girl magazine.  

The rest of her friends arrived at 5:00. About half were from school and half from church, so Ainsley requested we play a get to know you game. It was a great idea. It got the party going and gave them something to do before pizza arrived. Ainsley had a great time with her friends, and I think everyone enjoyed themselves. They ate lots of junk food, played Just Dance 4, stood around the piano singing while Ainsley played a Taylor Swift song, watched "Aquamarine", and hung out like 12 year old girls do. It was pretty loud, but the girls were all polite and got along well. 

It was a fun night! I know I always say this on my kid's birthdays, but I really can't believe Ainsley is 12! On Sunday she left Primary for the Young Women. She also sang a solo in Sacrament Meeting. She's so grown up. I kept hearing compliments about how well she sang and what a great kid she is, and it's true! She is such a good example to Kaylee and Landon. Don't get me wrong, she has her moments as we all do, but this girl is going places. Happy Birthday Ainsley! We love you!