Melissa's 17th Birthday

This year, Melissa's birthday fell on a Monday. Due to our conflicting school and activity schedules, we decided to celebrate her birthday on Sunday, April 21.

In the morning we headed out to Church where many of our friends wished Melissa and I a 'happy birthday'. Afterwards, we enjoyed a quiet lunch and a few hours of relaxation before Molly's flute concert.

Unfortunately most of the pictures of her concert came out rather poorly due to the stage lighting.

Once Melissa's special dinner of enchiladas, rice, and corn, was cleaned up, we gathered to open presents. Melissa received a skirt, dress, backpack, and movie (along with other items).

Melissa received the Hobbit from our grandparents

Mom planned an early dinner in order to leave time to watch the Hobbit. As soon as the gifts were put away, we started the movie. Melissa and Molly saw the Hobbit in theaters back in January, but it was the first time for the rest of us.

We took a break mid-movie to get some desert

For her desert, Melissa chose the traditional cake and ice cream. We always watch the birthday person blow out their candles in eager anticipation to see how many 'breaths' it takes. This was a 3-breath cake --probably due to the layout of the candles. They were not conductive to being easily blown out :(

We all enjoyed eating this while watching another hour of the movie. Unfortunately due to the length of the Hobbit, we weren't able to finish it that night.

Happy Birthday, Melissa! You are a wonderful sister. Your smile and ability to keep us laughing add a great dimension to our family! You've really focused your vision over the past year and I'm excited to see where your career as a nurse will take you. Keep striving to honor Christ in everything you do!