Celebrating 11 years of parenthood

Today, our first born, Elizabeth Anne, turned 11 years old. She is such a sweet girl, and is becoming quite a young lady. She made us parents; we are so blessed. 

 

Elizabeth's top requests for her birthday were ribs for dinner and a guitar. Well, thanks to a very generous gift from her Godfather and Autie Shelley, we were able to make the request for the guitar a reality. I think it was his, and then my nephew Grant learned to play on it but then switched to an electric guitar, so this one has been in storage waiting for someone to play it. I took it in to the guitar shop and got it all cleaned up, restrung, and fixed a few broken pieces; bought her a strap and some pretty pink picks and a "how to" teach yourself book. I think she's digg'n it.

Elizabeth's friend Analise came over to help celebrate and was giving her a few pointer on a chord. Elizabeth hit a pretty wonky note, and they both giggled up a storm.

So I got a little inspired...  Before she had opened her presents, I tried to tell Elizabeth that the cake was her "guitar." She ended up confiding in me with tears in her eyes that she had stumbled upon the real guitar hiding in my closet earlier today. Poor thing was trying so hard not to tell me and ruin my surprise, but she couldn't take it anymore. Who could be made with such remorse? I must find a better hiding spot.

Happy birthday sweet girl. We love you.