MADISON TURNS NINE!

Friday, we headed out to Lake Nocona with a couple of Madison's friends (Shaela and Payton) for a weekend getaway to celebrate MADISON TURNING NINE!  This was our third year to do a smallish slumber party, and I'm guessing it's a little tradition we've started.  I still can't believe she is nine years old, going into FOURTH GRADE, and moving on from playing with toys to singing along on 106.1.  It's just not right.  I love listening to the kids when they have their friends in the car-their conversations are so enlightening.  This ride proved no different, and I was privy to all kinds of information on Justin Beiber and his "hotness."  It was hilarious, especially Madison's take on the entire topic.

Payton:  "Justin is soooooooo hot!"

Shaela:  "I know!  I soooooooooooo think he's hot too!"

Payton:  "He's as hot as the sun!"

Shaela:  "No, he's as hot as Jupiter!"

Madison:  "Actually, if he's as hot as a planet, he should be as hot as Mercury or Venus.  Jupiter's actually pretty cold."

I admit, I laughed out loud when I heard this conversation go down.  Madison's "just not that into" boys yet--but planet?  We know planets.  That girl beats to a different drummer, a true free spirit for sure.

Once we got to the lake, the girls quickly dove right in, swimming, playing with Marley, and taking lessons on tubing.  They just about wore themselves out on Friday night with a whole day to go!  But, we finally drug them into the camper for the night, and they grooved on "having a place for themselves."  I'm not sure what they talked about, but they talked and talked and talked...

Saturday, everyone woke up early to start the fun.  We feasted on a little watermelon to get the party started, and sadly it did not agree with Payton's tummy.  :(  But, she was a trooper and hooked onto the tube again and again.  I think they spent at least 4 hours spinning around the lake, either behind the jet ski or behind the boat.  We did have a little technical difficulty with the boat, but powered through the bump in the road with more swimming, great snacking, and tie-dying!

I was super-pumped at how they turned out!!  It was exhausting though, and there was some much needed relaxing to recover.  :)

After a fancy hot dog and grilled corn dinner, Todd helped assemble a proper water balloon fight.  The boys were really excited to get back at the girls for all injustices.  ever.  Payton proved to be the best water balloon filler and tie-er!  She tried to pass along her skills, and I'm hoping they stuck!  We've got reunion here in just a little over a month!

It wouldn't be a birthday party without a cake!  Gran made her famous Chocolate Cake per Madison's request, and even though the heat tried to beat it, we all thought it was still delicious!  We managed to block the wind long enough for Madison to make a very serious wish, too.  She wouldn't share what she wished for, but I could tell it was for something big.  Hmmm...

After a round of showers, the girls settled back in the camper for a quiet movie, and to rest their sore bones.  They were glad for a little downtime after a day full of fun, and of course-there's always time for more talking and discussing of Justin Beiber's hotness!

Today, the girls woke up still tired, and quickly got started beading some little creatures Shaela had given Madison.  They were a big hit, and luckily Madison's cousin Cameron was around to tutor everyone in exactly where and how to bead the little guys-many more take home treasures for all!

All in all a successful birthday weekend, despite our little setbacks.  :)  I guess there aren't many things that can get in the way of celebrating NINE!  And the best part of the celebration was watching the girls and all that talking.  I just love watching them have fun and develop hopefully truly wonderful friendships. 

Happy Birthday Little Girl!  I hope the year of NINE is the best one yet!