Ups and Downs for 14!

For Julieanne's 14th we decided to ride the ups and downs on the roller coasters at Blackpool Pleasure Beach Park. You may recall that in the Thompson family we do a birthday party with friends one year and the next is a 'family party'. We try not to let the 'family parties' be the let down or bummer time so we have tried to be creative from time to time. Friday night September 18th, we drove two hours south to the "Myrtle Beach Grand Strand' style famous UK Beach Resort of Blackpool. It gives tacky tourist a new dimension but of course just like Myrtle Beach, there are some pretty spots too.

Saturday from 11-8 we went from roller coaster to roller coaster. What is it about a few seconds of a thrill that makes us willing to stand in a line with a bunch of smelly strangers? Crazy! Julieanne had a really great birthday weekend which was the whole point.

Her friends had tricked her at school. No one said anything about her birthday which was making her feel quite bummed as you can imagine. At lunch she was told by the office she needed to go to the art lecture hall for something. When she walked in her friends were waiting with cake, presents and lots of laughs! She thought they forgot but they were just trying to surprise her and that they did!

She's growing up. Of all the kids, she is the one who has changed most dramatically since moving to England. We brought an 11 year old girl over here and now have a 14 year old young lady. She's learning who she is and what she's about. It's a challenge to be 'you' in all situations of life but she's very aware of this and trying hard to be consistent. She is still a huge bundle of life, fun, energy and care. Happy 14th Birthday!