annabel's party

At this age it's about the people.  Hence, the many photos of people.  What a sweet celebration we had for Miss Annabel.  She was especially happy to have expanded her circle of friends this year, especially in relation to a year ago.  For freshman year of high school, she is doing pretty well.  She picks good kids to bring into her world.  One girl, new to this group, actually remarked that these kids were more positive and kind to each other than her current group of friends.  I thought that was interesting.

They swam and jumped on the trampoline and ate food (pizza, nutella, sodas, marshmallows, chips, salsa, strawberries, and the veggie plate I insisted on adding to the mix - hey they liked it!)  One girl brought deviled eggs from her chickens at home.  We served ice cream for desert.  More nutella.  No cake. Mom, teenagers don't need cake.  Just in case you didn't know.

They talked.  They discussed school, teachers, movies, music.  They were noisy.  They were quiet, but mostly noisy.  They watched a movie for fifteen minutes, a rated G cartoon.  They gave Annabel gifts.

But the most special part of all was when a boy suggested that everyone go around the table and say what they loved about Annabel.  It was really touching for our family to hear, and also for Annabel. And it was really impressive to hear how much they all really get her, enjoy her, and what a good friend she is to each of them.