The Pattersons: Happy Birthday, Kylee!

I'm quite a bit belated in writing my annual birthday post! It's been a heck of a week you guys. I think Kylee's 13th birthday will sure be a memorable one!

Last Monday was supposed to be her birthday party with her friends. She had planned to go out to Big Creek and we were going to rent a pontoon and also play at the beach and have pizza out there.

Then, the derecho happened! I didn't even know a derecho was a thing?! Here's our story. Kylee and I left for triathlon practice like usual, around 10:20. When we were almost to WaterWorks park, Kent texted me saying that practice was canceled because it was going to storm. So, Kylee and I turned around and headed home.

Well, we only made it about halfway and the storm picked up. A lot. I really couldn't see to drive so I decided to pull over even though we were near the mixmaster- not the best place at all to stop!! Branches were blowing by us and my big car was even moving with the crazy wind gusts. It was honestly kind of scary. Right away, Kylee said, "Mom let's just pray together- it's going to be ok!" I was so impressed at how calm she stayed during everything! Kael was home and was such a sweet kid- he even pulled some of my flowers in the garage before the storm got bad! Kase was at a friend's house so I was glad my boys were safe! Kylee and I called Kent and also my mom while we waited the storm out. We tried to keep our minds off the storm by singing super loudly and blasting the music. The storm lasted a lot longer than I thought it would but after about a half hour we felt safe enough to drive home. I felt so lucky that we had minimal damage (a mangled trampoline net and a little water in through the front door). Many of our neighbors had major roof problems and trampolines that completely blew away .

We were without power so I didn't feel like Kylee's party would be as much fun as she had also planned for the girls to sleepover after Big Creek. Kylee was such a trooper as we had to scrap the original plans and get the girls together Wednesday afternoon/early evening while there was still daylight! (Because we didn't end up getting power back for 5 days!!)

Kylee set up the basement with streamers, snacks, and a Saran Wrap ball game.

Such a good group of girls.

They played some volleyball, we had pizza and had planned for an ice cream cake but since they didn't have power either, Sweet Swirls couldn't make the cake for us.

Kylee was more than happy to just walk into Hy-Vee a few hours before the party and grab this cake instead. She is so chill about so many things and I realize I am so lucky to have that with a teenage girl!

These awesome gals even let Kase's sweaty, shirtless buddies join them for some backyard games.

The trampoline is still fun without a net!

The fun carried on after Kylee's party when one of the girls invited Kylee and a couple other girls who were still without power to her house for a sleepover. I think Kylee was so happy to have air conditioning! And a night swim in their pool didn't hurt either!

What more can I say about Kylee that hasn't already been said. She turns heads wherever she goes and not just because she's a beauty. She truly has a heart of gold that shines from the inside out. She's comfortable with adults, adored by any kids she babysits and just a kind, thoughtful young woman. The older she gets I am just continually even more thankful she's mine. People with young kids, girls especially, ask me how she got to be the way she is and I wish I could take any of the credit. She is wise beyond her years, compassionate, always up for an adventure, caring and tough.