Happy Late Birthday

The Celebration That Never Ends

I turned 17 years old on September 20th this year. It was an amazing birthday spent with family and absolute love, laughter, and joy. A tradition in my household has always been to spend the actual birthday with family and then, later on, continuing the celebration with friends. I'm known by my friends to really extend my celebration, for my birthday parties always take place a month, sometimes longer, after my actual birthday. One year, my birthday party took place all the way in April!

This year, my birthday party with all of my friends took place in October. My parties always consist of very close friends, adventures, music, glow sticks, and food, and this year was no different.

Friends Arrive

My friends Haley, Taylor, Alexia, Katie, Mikenli, Adrianna, and Cirel slept over to celebrate my 17th with me. I had invited a few more people, but they weren't able to make it. One by one, my friends showed up on the Saturday of my party, and, as they arrived, I gave them balloons to blow up and fill with glow sticks.

Once most everyone was there, we ate snacks and just talked for a really long time. I have never been a fan of intense parties filled with random people I barely know because there isn't any connection or genuine conversation. I have always made sure to only invite people I care about and want to celebrate with.

Glow Stick Walk

After talking for a while, we put on our jackets and went on a walk to the damn in my neighborhood. After a long, chilly walk in the dark, lit up with our glow sticks, we finally made it to the damn and walked along the trees, rocks, and water. We made to to some benches and my sister took a ton of pictures for us, laughing all the while.

The walk back would be even colder and darker than before, so I called up my dad and requested he come pick up all eight of us to fit in our small car. We shuffled into the car, everyone on top of one another, and made it back to the warmth of the house.

Happy Birthday To Me 

We ate a ton of pizza and chips at the dining room table, while talking about TV shows and movies we love. Then my mom brought out the chocolate cake, vanilla and strawberry cupcakes, and soda, while everyone sang happy birthday to me. I blew out the candles and we all dug in.

After eating, I got to open up the presents my dear friends got me. Every gift I opened was so thoughtful and beautiful and each card endearing and kind. I could tell how much thought and time went into my birthday and couldn't be more thankful to my family and friends; I couldn't imagine anything better.

Stayin' Up All Night 

Then, we hung around my room for a bit, until heading down to the basement to get into bed, play music, eat even more, and play games. We ended up playing a card game for hours, until, one by one, we completely passed out.

Our Goodbyes 

When we woke up in the early morning, my mom brought out a delicious breakfast of chocolate chip, blueberry, and lemon poppy seed muffins. We watched some TV and talked for a bit, until, eventually, everyone said their goodbyes.

Love and Happiness 

Not only has every single one of my birthdays always been filled with love and happiness from my family, but also from my amazing friends I have had in my life for so many years. As each day passes, our relationships continue to grow, and I am able to have people I can talk to, laugh with, and just hang out with at any time. I am so thankful to have so many people in my life that I care for and care for me.