Happy 14th, Me Asson.

Ellie has really made some strides on this trip! She came saying, "Masson." Started saying, "Massa-non" a couple of days ago, and then woke up even closer with "Me-asson." In case you didn't know it, her real name is Mary Allison! And she is beachin with us for three weeks. We are lucky to have her.

I know that at 14, birthdays are really important. And I also know that she would really like to be home for her birthday, so we tried to make it a big deal. and yes, Breanna, (per facebook!), she IS with someone who loves to celebrate! So, we took good care of her!

On the way home from eating out last night, we stopped by the grocery store with a lame reason, knowing that what we really needed was a birthday cake! I liked this one because it had a beachy theme, and there are not many people who get to have their BD at the beach! I got my hands on some pink icing and dude.... I BOTCHED this crazy cake! I discovered that I am NOT a cake decorator! In no way! Scroll up two and see if you can even read what I wrote. It was sad.

This week, we have really needed our Masson, Massanon, Measson! Tomorrow, Todd's parents leave, which basically means it is back to Mom and Masson tag teaming these little rugrats! Isn't it always a dream to see your babies love their sitter this much?! Ellie says, "Lub you, Measson."
She was even able to coerce Ellie Bellie to jump into the pool.
Now our vaca has really picked up! We are beachin, poolin, and altogether more explorin the whole Beach Club.
I must remind everyone that she IS 14! That means still W-E-I-R-D!
She called this one the Martha Washington! W-E-I-R-D!

When she was coming up from the water, she was doing the whole slow motion Bo Derek jog.

Pam and Jay... we LOVE your kid. We are grateful to you for letting her come with us for such a long time. I wanted to do this blog to show you that we took care of your baby today, and really tried to celebrate with her in whatever way she wanted. We even went about 15 minutes past our destination to get her some Dippin Dots! It was her day. (as we were reminded ALL day long!)
I even got up and made her four new pieces of jewelry! That was our gift to her.

Oh, but the poor kid does take some grief from us! I could NOT resist this picture! There is a cheerleading camp going on here, as there was last week, and likely will be for the next two! It seems to be the new thing. Go to cheer camp at a beach resort. Wish it wasnt'... but it is!

Anyhoo, our Massanon is not a cheerleader! She is more the tennis team, editor, civic minded little leader type! So, when she was coming down the boardwalk with these little chickies behind her, I had to snap it. Todd said she looked the equipment manager! We asked her if she was sure she had ALL the girls pompons in her her bag! She was less than amused! We were very amused! Ha.
To round out our day, we took her to the Hangout for dinner. In typical teen style, her Blackberry is never far away! Ol' brace face is 14 but acts much older when it comes to taking care of my girls! Both of my girls adore her. I remember when she first started with me and would call me if the girls pooped! Now, she just scrapes that poop out from under her nails and keeps right on truckin. (jussssst kiddin!)
Oh, the reason we went to the Hangout was because I knew what they did for Birthday girls! They have to get up and dance on the tables! Would you look at her? Just STANDING there, twirling her hair! What's up with that? Come on, Masson. Let er rip!
And prior to leaving, I got the OK from mom for the ol' token virgin strawberry daiquiri that is very coming of age in when at the beach! Mom said ok.
Masson, we love you and are glad to have you in our lives. And at the ripe ol' age of 14, I figure we will have you around for many years to come. Happy Day, Little Girl!

Todd, Melanie, Ellie and Gabbi Girl