Bethany's 11th birthday

We had a wonderful birthday party last weekend, for our youngest daughter who turned 11! She had gotten a few gifts over the Thanksgiving holiday, and another gift a few days before, which was the flying squirrel pajamas that she got from her cousins! She is wearing those in the picture above, with her birthday morning pancakes!

She wanted to have a Christmas theme for her birthday this year since it is in December. I tried to make a Christmas tree out of cucumber slices and tomatoes. The main course was wings, so we have other dippable veggies too. My daughter Mallory baked red velvet cupcakes from scratch, and then we decorated them with green icing and sprinkles to look like Christmas trees. They turned out really cute!

Here is my husband making the wings dip and coating. He made some in the oven and some in the new Instant pot, and they were delicious! We had BBQ, Garlic Parmesan, and Honey Mustard, which were a little spicy, but all delicious! 

 After lunch, we opened gifts. She loved all of the new toys and clothes! We have her adjustable roller skates which can transform into rollerblades. Hopefully, she will learn how to use them and be able to play roller hockey in the garage with her older brother and sister!

 New clothes from Grandpa...

 A cute bee stuffy from Mallory, so soft...

 LEGOS from Grandpa and Grandma, she loves the new set!

 A new, blue, super soft sweater from Grandpa and Grandma...

 ...and a new coat too!

 Rebekah gave her candy...

 ...and a new,  red and green flannel shirt!

 The kids played tabletop hockey too...

 "Happy Birthday to you..." candles ready to be blown out!

 In the late afternoon, we went to the Parade of Lights together on Main Street. Caleb marched in the parade again, and Rebekah worked for the first hour and met us before it was over. We snuck in a new family photo! What a great day for our growing girl! We are so thankful to God for our baby, our blessing that we call Bethany!

How about you, do you have any December birthdays? Have you ever done a Christmas themed party? I'd love to hear about it!

Bethany's favorite Bible verse...
Psalm 23:6
Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.

2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Psalm 119:41

May your unfailing love come to me, Lord, your salvation, according to your promise;

Bethany's life verse, on a plaque in her room with her name meaning...
Acts 2:39
The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”