It seems to be a trend the last few years that Sophia’s birthday celebrations are a bit delayed, whether it’s illness, work travels, or just life. Whatever the reason, we still make sure to squeeze in the celebration when we can and this year was no exception. With Sophia’s birthday landing on a Monday (insert frown face here) plus Phil being away for work, she wasn’t super enthusiastic about celebrating on the day of. However, we can’t let the day pass without doing something! After a lot of back and forth, I told her I would pick a small birthday treat to celebrate (we already had her actual birthday cake picked out for later in the week). Despite my attempt to make a “small” birthday treat the cake was anything but. Covered in sprinkles, yes. Small, no. But it put a smile on the birthday girl’s face so I call it a win.

That Friday we enjoyed round two of celebrations with Dad home and Jeremy in town for a visit. Delicious picanha for dinner courtesy of Jeremy, with loads of veggies on the side per Sophia’s request. We executed birthday cake number two (earl grey with blackberries and a lemon mascarpone frosting) and blew out more candles. Celebration success!

While 15 isn’t exactly a milestone birthday it certainly felt like one. Maybe because Sophia started high school this year? These days I seem to regularly have my own version of the Father of the Bride moment when Annie walks down the stairs and her dad flashes back to her as a young girl. I’m constantly in disbelief that my little girl is quickly growing up right before my eyes while endlessly proud of the beautiful person she continues to be. An unmatched work ethic, kind, and compassionate. I’m not sure what the next 15 years have in store but I’m excited and grateful to be along for the adventure and see what’s ahead for her.

And now, the requisite trip down memory lane from the last year…and my reminder to take more pictures to soak up each day with my family as they take another trip around the sun.