Hannah's Hike

This is the year she's been waiting for--her entrance into double digits!  She's watched her siblings before her set out on adventures and come back with great memories and she's been itching to get to this point--her tenth year!  Ten is big here in our house.  Not only does the birthday child go on a hike, but the sibling just before them in line also goes as to share in the experience and impart knowledge.  The birthday child also gets their first pocket knife.  Honestly, I don't know which excited her more--the hike or the knife but Hannah was  counting down the days for at least a month!  

Hike day was gorgeous--and thankfully arrived before the real heat (we are currently on week two of 100 degrees).  John took Riley and Hannah out early to drive to the canyon.  They visited three waterfalls and walked plenty of trail enduring humidity and becoming little waterfalls themselves (they were soaked through in sweat!).  They loved the hike and made great memories together--but the day wasn't over yet!

Since Hannah's birthday landed on Memorial Day proper, there was more on the docket.  They drove out to meet the rest of us at a friend's house for a BBQ and a small memorial service.  Our host, Mr. Abernathy, is a vet and his dad fought in Normandy.  He gave an account of the war from his dad's memories and we took the time to remember and honor the fact that freedom is far from free.  Then we all sang happy birthday to Hannah and finished out the day with food and fellowship.  We were tired a the end of the night--especially our hikers, but it was a good tired.  

She was shy about it, but she appreciated that her birthday was recognized 

Cake and gifts were the following evening.  Hannah proudly chose to have an American themed cake.  We had a great time celebrating Hannah and we are all super happy to welcome her into the tween years--it's amazing that there are no longer any children in the house under that benchmark.  Happy Birthday Hannah!  We love you!