Shiloh 14

 This year has been especially challenging for Shiloh, as her health has really suffered. Her lack of energy and ability left us with very few options for celebrating her birthday. She has always loved birthdays, so realizing our choices were limited was emotionally difficult.

We came up with a few loose plans for things she might be able to do and enjoy. Some of those changed the day before when Ezra got sick and her sweet neighbor friends also came down with the flu. Even so, we did our best to make the most of what she could do and celebrate the day in the ways that were still possible.

After Zoe and I served at church, we came home and surprised Shiloh with her first gift while she was still in bed — a thoughtful surprise from her youth leader. Afterward, we enjoyed an amazing brunch of her choosing that Beach had prepared.

Thankfully the food was appealing to her and she greatly enjoyed it!

Zoe had thoughtfully made a video for Shiloh filled with birthday messages from her friends, most of whom she hadn’t seen in weeks. It was incredibly touching for her to see their faces and hear their encouragement.

Zoe is so empathetic and wanted to bring Shiloh her friends in a unique way. After that came gifts, many of which Shiloh had picked out online, along with a few surprises.

Gifts are one of her love languages, so this made her especially happy.

After some more resting and a little encouragement to get ready, we had a huge praise when her BFF was able to come over, bearing a sweet gift basket.

Zoe took some cute photos of Shiloh to commemorate her turning 14 before we headed out.

Our first stop was Shiloh’s food choice, Chipotle.

It was a beautiful day!

Then we headed to the mall, which is not my favorite place and somewhere I rarely take them, so it felt extra special for her. They loved me taking a photo of them. 😉

Shiloh and her bestie found the cutest matching dresses on sale, and they were the last ones in their size.

Waiting on the girls...

After the mall closed at 6 p.m. since it was Sunday, we headed to get açaí bowls, which she had never tried before.

I was thankful to have Zoe there to spend time with while we gave the two of them some space.

 

The food was a hit....

but the birthday girl wasn’t ready for the fun to end, so we hit the drive-through for some fries.

Once we got back home, she was shocked to see her room had been decorated. 

My sweet mom had brought my nieces by, and they worked with Ezra to make things look fun and festive.

It was such a big surprise for her.

To top off the night, her new watch arrived (a little late, but still right on time).

While I know the day couldn’t be everything she wanted it to be, Shiloh was very thankful for the gifts and for getting to go out with her bestie and sister. I was thankful for that too, and for the reminder to keep looking for the joy, even in hard seasons.