Awesome Weekend Experience - Part I

Last weekend was awesome because it was Gabbi's birthday on Sunday.  Gabbi our second oldest turned 13 on Sunday.  She was so excited about her birthday.  She counted down the days for over a week.  I can remember seeing 9 days left neatly written on the fridge whiteboard.  She kept updating it until we left for Georgetown.  I was a bit worried that all of our activities would overshadow her special day, but I think it went well.

We started off the celebration at Frank's arcade in Inlet Square Mall.  Somehow we managed to get a couple of cards with $5 - $10 each for the girls and Ziah.  They played a skeeball, air hockey, motorcycle racing, frogger games, and even the hot shots basketball game.  Gabbi managed to burn her money really quickly playing one of the higher cost higher reward games.  Those games usually pay out big prizes when you win, however, you win very infrequently.  In any regard we gave her another couple of dollars and it seemed like she had a good time.  We were there for a hour or so before everyone was out of money.  The girls and Ziah won over 300 tickets on their card.  I think Gabbi had over 300 on hers as well.  She bought a tiara with her winning tickets.  Cassarra had to combine several cards and tickets, but used it to score some ridiculously large shades.

All in all the arcade was a fun memory for us all.  We even managed to get in and out of the Inlet without being grossed out or embarrassed by any of the bikers who were frequenting the beach for the "Biker's Weekend."

When we got to my mother's house on Saturday night the girls had tacos and got to sleep in the playroom.  I have no idea what time they fell asleep, but it seemed like it was very late.  However late they stayed up, they seemed fine on Sunday.

On Sunday we shared in a worship service, and after church on Sunday the awesomeness of Gabbi's special day continued.  We celebrated Gabbi's birthday with cake and ice cream at my parents house.  She had a great cake from Publix that we picked up in Columbia and brought with us.  We also grabbed a bucket of Neapolitan ice cream to go with the cake.  She had all of my siblings except Alex, plus Deatrice and Ziah singing a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday.  All of the nieces and nephews were there except for Abby.  I could see Gabbi smiling as they sang.  She loved being in the center of attention, I could tell.  I was very happy for her.  We all need moments like this.

After making a quick wish and blowing out all thirteen candles we all carved up the cake.  Of course the birthday girl got the first slice.  Afterwards, mom bought her presents and we had our gifts there as well.  I was happy that the evening was ending with her as the center and focus.  She is a wonderful child and I hope that at 13 she continues to grow and mature towards the amazing adult that I know she can be.

We got back around 8:30 and gave Gabbi one last surprise, a bag on nail polish.  Gabbi smiled and said, "Yes, I was starting to run low!"

Gabbi - Happy Birthday!  You are awesome and I hope you had an amazing 13th birthday.