We have a family rule that on odd birthdays we have only a family party, and on even birthdays we have a friend and a family party. After much deliberation and thought, Allison decided to have an ice skating party and a family party. She turned 14 on the 23rd of January. Since all of the children have even birthdays this year – (Allison 14, Jeffrey 12, Andrew 10, Michelle 18, and Ben 4) we will be having quite a few birthday parties this year.

Allison with Jenny and Ben just before we left for the ice rink. This outdoor rink is a small but fun place to skate. It was very cold that night.

Allison and Ben with her store bought cake. We have a running family joke that Mom can’t bake a decent cake, so for the friend parties, we always get a bakery cake.

Allison and Michelle putting on skates

Allison helped to relight the candles after the wind blew a couple of them out.

Allison skating party

Andy at Allison’s party

Ben and Shelly at the party

Ben at the party

Ben eating pizza

All the girls skating on the rink

Jeff at the party

Of course we still had our family party, Allison baked her own cake and it was delicious. She requested strawberries and pastry for breakfast and hoagie sandwiches for supper. I let the children pick whatever foods they desire for birthdays and such an easy meal was a treat for me. Everyone just made their own sandwich.

Ben and Allison blowing out candles

Licking the icing off the candles
It is hard to believe our sweet girl is fourteen. I was pregnant with her when we showed up here in Boulder so many years ago. It has been a happy time, having her in our home. She is such a bright light, and so fun to be around. We really had a great time at the parties.
Jenny Hatch