We can't believe our oldest daughter has turned 16! While we were on our grand adventure, great friends were helping to pull off a big surprise - a sweet sixteen party for Corinne three days after we returned. Janelle Mays and Kendall took over 860 pictures of the "event" (thank you!!!!) and helped transform the back yard into a "Pretty in Pink" party where 42 friends gathered and waited for the birthday girl ... 
Waiting ...
Can I tell you what a blessing Katie Techtmann is to our family? She helped in more ways than we can remember, from mailing the invitations, "the pink birdies are in the mail," to collecting notes from everyone and asking people to please rsvp. Katie put together a wonderful pink photo journal for Corinne which she filled with notes and encouragements from friends and relatives. And, this wonderful friend crocheted Corinne a beautiful blanket. You're amazing Katie - we love you!
Surprise! 
After a ton of hugs ...
and greetings ... 
...we played "How well do you know Corinne?" It didn't seem fair to everyone that Katie and Andrew teamed up together, but they won! Gift cards to our favorite ice cream place! 
It was amazing to realize how many of you all have been her friends forever! So blessed! 
James is rejoicing he got an answer correct - was it "what is Corinne's favorite color?"
Shannon knew many answers
Evan, where you helping Christiana or was she writing in the answers for you?
Ben and Jonah knew which swimming stroke is her favorite!
Time for snacks and pizza ...
... and birthday cake - thank you Mrs. Mensah!
The photo journal is going to be filled to the brim with all the wonderful photos Janelle and Kendall took! Too many to fit on the blog.
Thank you Katie - you did an amazing job!
And thank you Janie and Peggy for helping with everything else ... the rsvp's, decorations, food, etc ... we couldn't have pulled this off without you!!! 
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you..." Jeremiah 29:11-14
Dear Bella,
and greetings ... ...we played "How well do you know Corinne?" It didn't seem fair to everyone that Katie and Andrew teamed up together, but they won! Gift cards to our favorite ice cream place! 
It was amazing to realize how many of you all have been her friends forever! So blessed! 
James is rejoicing he got an answer correct - was it "what is Corinne's favorite color?"
Shannon knew many answers
Evan, where you helping Christiana or was she writing in the answers for you? Ben and Jonah knew which swimming stroke is her favorite!Time for snacks and pizza ... ... and birthday cake - thank you Mrs. Mensah! The photo journal is going to be filled to the brim with all the wonderful photos Janelle and Kendall took! Too many to fit on the blog. Thank you Katie - you did an amazing job! And thank you Janie and Peggy for helping with everything else ... the rsvp's, decorations, food, etc ... we couldn't have pulled this off without you!!! "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you..." Jeremiah 29:11-14
Dear Bella, We are so blessed to be your parents. God is doing amazing things in your life. We can't wait to see what He has in store for you. We love you! Happy Sweet Sixteen! Love, Mom and Dad
for purple mountain majesty ...
God shed His grace on thee ...
