Autmn Rose

On January 21, 2003, a tiny precious little girl came into the world – the ‘baby doll’ of her daddy’s heart,her mom’s firstborn (how YOUNG they were!!!), and my first delightful grandchild!  We had no idea what the journey would be like, and was certainly not even beginning to think of her turning 16. 

But today we all got together and celebrated the first 16 years of her life.  What a delightful, beautiful young lady she is!  It was a tricky progress to put this party together;  the weather forecasters were predicting snow and ice – anything from 1 inch to 12 inches – and we weren’t sure to even try to have it. 

But in the end, all systems were go, and the party planners – headed by the event director Jen! – pooled their talents to transform the church welcome center into a Sweet Sixteen wonderland. Pastels of pink and yellow and blue, as well as some black, hung from the doorways, on the tables, wrapped the banisters, and made for a super photo opp backdrop inside the balloon arch.  I loved the balloon arch!

Autmn had chosen a playlist and the music played all afternoon.  There was a lovely cake, pizza, chips, drinks, and a pinata filled with candy.  And of course presents.  Everyone took a swipe at the pinata, hanging from the basketball hoop in the activity center.  A few of the kids whacked a hole in it, but it wasn’t until Zach took the pole, stretched his arms, and smacked the entire thing that it flew off the rope.  Candy and confetti went flying, to everyone’s delight.  It was amazing to see! 

After lots of picture taking and cutting the cake, Autmn opened her gifts.  Her mom bought her a car, which little sister Josie promptly claimed as her own.  That was entirely ok, as they were Matchbox cars, anyway:  a blue one and a yellow one.  Maybe there will be a driver’s license and a real car in her future, but not yet.  I for one am not ready for that yet!  Everyone worked together to put the room back to rights and pack up all the food and decorations.  By then it was pouring rain, but no snow, thankfully. 

Autmn had a great time at her party, as did the rest of us, and I felt blessed to look at this young lady and think about what has brought her to this point.  Sixteen!  Happy birthday my sweet granddaughter.  And remember, for the last 4 years, you have been promising me that you’d take me shopping when you got your license and your own car.  I’ll hold you to it!  Love you!