Hallie’s 12th birthday celebration seemed to never end – which she was totally okay with. She didn’t have school on her birthday, so we kidnapped her from school a few days prior to give her the birthday lunch treatment – and she chose Panda express of course!

Hallie’s actual birthday was a Saturday and I’m not sure we’ve had a more busy weekend day the whole year. Tennis practice, two soccer games, neighborhood Halloween party and tickets to the ASU game.  And yet all Hallie wanted to do on her birthday was go to the temple for the first time, so we made that the priority. Steve and I went with her to the Mesa temple and had a beautiful afternoon. She was so excited and had prepared so well to be there – it was rewarding and special to experience that with her.

Her other request was a birthday smoothie from Dutch Brothers. They know how to make a girl feel special (or embarrassed) with their loud singing and birthday antics, decorated cup and sprinkles. Dutch brothers is a birthday favorite in our house.

The next morning she woke up to a decorated door as she graduated out of her church primary class and joined the young women’s youth group. You can tell from her face she’s really sad to leave the primary behind! 😉

We had already given Hallie her birthday gift – a trip to Utah – so it seemed anticlimactic to not have any gifts. Luckily she had a gift from grandparents and I surprised her with a water bottle she’s had her eye on.

And her annual growth chart photos – she’s just growing up!

You’d think this would be the end of the celebration…but no. She had a friend party two weeks after her birthday (soon to come) – it’s always a party when you’re 12!