The Teen Surprise Party (TravelingMama)

Other parents try to tell you before your kids are born that nothing can prepare you for the love that you will feel for your child, but it really is so hard to comprehend. And once they come into your life, there is not much that can prepare you for the overwhelming desire to spoil them and lavish them with every ounce of love you have within your heart. It seems impossible that you could love your child more each day, but then with each new morning comes more happiness and a deeper connection to this little being who has now been utterly intwined into your life and your own story.

I was so overwhelmed thinking about Hailey turning 13 and even though we had thrown a pink party with her friends, I decided to surprise her with a little family party. Maybe it was my way of coping with her becoming a teenager, but it just felt right to celebrate her entry into her teens. It felt like one of the biggest things that had ever happened to her and it felt very much like that to us as her parents, too. I just felt that seeing her grow into this amazingly gorgeous and kind soul was worth celebrating over and over.

So, here is a little peek at the Teen Surprise Party we threw for Hailey… because life is short and every moment is worth a celebration…