Three Kids and a Dog: Hailey Turns 11

Last Friday, Hailey turned 11. Of course our Friday was jam packed with non-birthday, non-Hailey things so we tried real hard to make it special for her in spite of these events that got in the way of her birthday.

First, Tom and I picked her up from school and took her to lunch (they have open lunch at her school) at the restaurant of her choice. She ordered sushi, chicken tenders and had to have the cookie skillet at her classmates' suggestion. She ate all of it and was back at school in time for PE class (which she said she could miss since it was the very boring gymnastics unit).

We picked her up after school as it was the only time where all 5 of us would be together for a quick 15 minutes of opening presents before Peyton had to be back at school for cheerleading and I was going to work her fundraising tailgate for cheer.

She opened up her presents really quick. She got a lot of things from us that she didn't ask for but loved like Halloween earrings, new Nike Air Max sneakers, basketball attire and new basketball shoes. Peyton wrote her a really nice card (not really) and for the first year, Austen bought her one from the store. (I really like when they write their own cards to each other unless they are not very nice - like Peyton's who said "Happy Birthday to the girl who can't ride a bike!")

After opening presents, Tom dropped Peyton and I off at school for cheer and the fundraiser tailgate. He hung with Hailey, and Austen eventually left for his soccer game.

After working 1.5 hours at the fundraising tailgate, Tom and Hailey picked me up and we jetted over to Austen's game (30 minutes away) but not before picking up Hailey's dinner of choice (Cane's). Normally, Tom and I would split games and one of us would go see Peyton cheer and the other would go to Austen's game but this was a big game for Austen to help secure a conference title so we told Peyton that we were going to Austen's game. Hailey didn't mind too much going to Austen's game since the time would be shorter than going to a football game to see Peyton cheer. Plus, I told Austen he needed to score a goal for Hailey for her birthday.

Well, it was an exciting and crazy game and Austen ended up scoring two goals for Hailey! After scoring his first goal and heading back to the half line, he points at Hailey in the stands to let her know that that one was for her. Then, at the end of the game, the boys come over to the stands to clap for the fans and the fans clap for their 3-1 win. Austen holds up 2 fingers for Hailey and she beams. You can see how much she loves her big brother even if she has to go to his game on her birthday.

We get back in the car to drive back to pick up Peyton but not before picking up a Hailey request - Portillos chocolate cake. We get Peyton, Austen comes home, and finally we all sing to Hailey at about 9:45pm that night.

Before bed, I ask Hailey what the best part of her birthday was and she says, "Austen scoring those two goals for me and giving me the shout out." Oh my heart. How great it is to have a big brother who loves his little sister and makes her birthday special even when she has to go to his game on her special day.

I'd say Hailey's golden (11 on the 11th) birthday was one she'll never forget.