Ayanna's 9th Birthday!

Today is my sweet niece, Ayanna's 9th Birthday.  It's so crazy she's already 9 years old, it seems like just yesterday we were in that Levelland hospital and I was changing her first poopy diaper.  Oh the memories...

I wasn't able to spend any time with my Levelland family this summer, so I was beyond excited when we left home Friday to head that way to spend the weekend with them.  We were also able to bring Jackson with us; which made it so much more fun.

  

Saturday morning we woke up to the smell of Mama's homemade biscuits and gravy.  I didn't get a picture (shocking I know), because I was busy shoving it down my belly.  The kids ran around and played for a while and then we all went to Ohana's for her birthday lunch. 

 

After lunch it was time for her party!  We loaded everyone up and headed to Lubbock to meet up with everyone at Joyland.  Kelly and I both worked at Joyland during the summers while we were in high school, so it was definitely a flash back being back there with her again.  Ayanna's party theme was Monster High.

 

          

        

After cake and ice cream it was time to open presents! 

            

Time for rides!

          

 

The kids were all smiles.  Well, for the most part...

   

 

  

  

This is the face I normally get when I take pics of Jackson

  

  

My long lost sister, Veronica also brought her little cousins with her and met us for some fun.  I used to work with her at Halliburton in Hobbs, and we were two peas in a pod.  I've only been able to see her a couple of times since I've moved to Artesia, so it was awesome to get to spend some time with her this weekend, even if it was only for a little bit. 

 

We enjoyed dinner at Cracker Barrel before heading back to Levelland.  I did what any good aunt would do and let Jackson have pancakes.  I'm sure his parents were thrilled...  =)

 

   

 

  

Just waitin' on the birthday girl to get home...

 

On Sunday we all went to grub on some BBQ before we had to head back to the land of entrapment.  =)

 

   

Having to save so much for our new house has made it difficult for us to do much this summer.  I'm so glad we were (finally) able to go spend some time with my family.  I needed it so, so much! 

Today is Ayanna's actual 9th birthday and her first day of school as well.  I just hope she has the best day.  I love that little girl more than I could ever put into words.  She and I have always been so close and I'm so proud of the sweet, smart, strong-willed little lady she has become.  I just know there are big things in store for her!  

Happy Birthday baby girl!