A Happy 18th Birthday!

September 20th 2019

On September 20th 2001, Madison Anna Bush was born, and on that day 18 years later, she, legally, became an adult! Yay! My birthday was really amazing. I was showered with love and fun as I hit the big 1 8. I couldn't have asked for a better birthday as my friends, teachers, and family made me feel so special.

Birthday Decor, Birthday Breakfast, & A Birthday School Day

That morning, I started the day waking up to the house covered in birthday posters, ribbons, and lights. My mom always celebrates our birthdays with decorating with house in little posters that are meaningful and funny as they represent who we are and our special day. I walked around reading the posters before getting dressed in a nice dress and jewelry. 

Before we left for school, Zooey had me open her gift; she got me a silver necklace of my astrological sign's constellation: Virgo! I loved it and thanked her as we got in the car to head for breakfast. 

We stopped at Starbucks for a birthday breakfast of warm croissants and a Mango Dragonfruit Refresher; it was delicious! Then, we headed to school and got ready for the day. At school, people wished me a happy birthday and celebrated me, and when school was almost over, I headed up to mom's classroom. 

A Bunch of Balloons Just For Me 

There, I was surprised with a classroom filled with a ton of birthday balloons! She had had her 2nd block class blow up balloons for me, and her class was really into it! They decided they wanted to make the surprise even more special by writing me little birthday messages on the balloons! It meant so much to me; a girl had even made me a flower made up of balloons with birthday messages on them. 

As I held my balloon flower, mom and I facetimed my Aunt Alex in Florida. She sang to me and we talked for a bit, bringing up the fact that I was chosen as the IB Sweetheart for homecoming in 2 weeks. She freaked out! She decided she had to come and see me honored in this event, planning the trip already. We couldn't wait! 

Sunflowers, Daisies, & Roses, Oh My, & Dinner At American Pie

After school, dad and Zooey picked mom and me up to head out for a birthday dinner, surprising me with 3 bouquets of flowers! They had gotten me sunflowers, daisies, and roses!

Then, we headed to American Pie Pizzeria. We got garlic knots, a pepperoni pizza, and a cinnamon dessert pizza with extra icing; my favorites!

We even went over to the game station to put coins in the little toy machines; we got 3 little toy dragons, mom naming her red dragon Doug Frank and me naming my red dragon Peter Banana Split and my blue one Priscilla Artichoke (weird, I know). We also took some family photos before heading home for more fun. 

Carded At The Corner Store

On the way home, we stopped at our little corner store to do a very 18 year old thing: buy my first lottery ticket! We went in, grabbed some tickets, picked our numbers, and went to buy them. I looked at the cashier and said, "I'd like to get these please." He gave me the strangest look and said, "Um, can I see your ID," with me immediately replying, "Why yes you can!" He was like, "Well, okay," and we left with me definitely, totally, and completely winning that lottery...I bet...

Books, Shoes, & More Love  

At home, we changed into some comfy clothes, and I opened some birthday presents! I got some great books, including The Wicked King, Five Dark Fates, A Darker Shade of Magic, Broken Throne, and a 5 year journal, jewelry, clothing, money, nail polish, and shoes, including the Dr. Martens Nartilla Sandals, the UGG Zuma Metallic Graphic Slides, and some black and white platform sandals! I was so thankful to have such an amazing and loving family and loved reading all of their thoughtful cards. 

A Cool Nighttime Swim Of Golf & Turkish Pop

After some present opening, mom, Zooey, and I headed to my Aunt and Uncle's house for a birthday nighttime swim while dad stayed home to specially decorate the cake. We listened to music and swam in the cool water, taking pictures and laughing with each other.

I opened my presents from them, getting some nice perfumes, a beautiful journal of special quotes, and some money from my Uncle Duane. Mom was even gifted with a cool VW Bus mug in honor of her being a mother for 18 years.

For the rest of our time there, we played some lake golf, listening and dancing to my favorite Camp Mikell and Turkish pop music; I love the song "Şımarık" by Turkish singer, Tarkan. Then, we said our goodbyes and headed home.

The Cake Of Elena

Back at home, I opened the rest of my presents and waited for my cake. They turned out the lights and sang to me, setting the cake in front of me. Dad had decorated mom's cake beautifully! He had researched a symbol from my very favorite book series, Throne of Glass, and painted the chocolate cake with the Eye of Elena. In the books, the Eye of Elena symbolizes peace, safety, and loyalty as it protects the main character and those she loves. 

Although the cake was truly stunning, we just had to take a few pictures because it was time to dig into that cake! Mom had done a great job; it was deliciously chocolaty! 

After cake, we watched some TV, until, eventually, my birthday came to an end. However, the celebration didn't stop there.

The Celebration Continues 

The next day, we went out shopping. We went to a few stores like Goodwill, Target, Ross, and Marshalls, returning things that didn't fit and buying some new shirts; Zooey and I got matching T-shirts depicting pieces of famous art. Then, we got some lunch/dinner at Panera, eating macaroni and cheese, bread, and grilled cheese. We drank our favorite Passion Papaya Green Tea and Plum Ginger Hibiscus Tea with a double chocolate cookie to share. 

After, we went to the mall and strolled around for a bit, going to some of our favorite stores and having fun. At the end of the day, we headed home to relax, and that Tuesday, Mr. McCormick kept the party going as he made me and the class homemade belated-birthday brownies!

The Beginning Of A Wildly Amazing New Year

Overall, my 18th birthday was fantastic as it was filled with love, laughs, and adventures. I am so grateful to be so fortunate and have an absolutely amazing family and life that I can experience new things and spend time with. So far, the beginning of this new year has been wildly amazing, and I have thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it. I'm so excited for this 18th year and the many more to come as I live in each moment and look forward to the strong and bright future ahead. 

Thank you again to everyone who made me and my birthday so very special! Stay tuned for my TBD 18th Birthday Party post to come!