And then she got old

Because (ha! I just started a sentence with because!) May is traditionally a hectic, crazy month, Miss Care Bear had to have her karate birthday party at the end of April. I promise you that she didn't mind. 

They start off with introductions and a mini karate lesson, which the birthday child gets to help teach.

And they play some games, like Swords and Shields, which is pretty much exactly like you'd think it would work:

And there's food, including the double layer cake that attempted to slide apart from itself on the drive to the party:

Cake is traditionally cut by a sword at karate parties. Carrie had special permission to use her own sword, one bought several years ago by her friend Isaac, to cut her cake. Even though Isaac couldn't make it to her party, he was there in spirit. Even better, he's moving back here mid-summer!

Then it was time for presents and silly friends and fun.

Her friends all seemed to have a great time, and our sweet Care Bear is now officially a teenager.

Happy 13th, and many moooooore. We love you. 

Run for your lives.

"Omigod, they're giving her a sword!"

 

I know, I know. Y'all are getting good at seeing blue and gray and thinking, "oh, more karate pictures, really?"

 

In my defense, we now have a 12 year old in the house, and she chose a karate party this year. Due to it being the last few weeks of both school and soccer, lots of friends had to decline, but the ones who could make it came and they had a blast. Carrie was delighted that some of her best guy friends from her old school district could make it, and our sweet Nina and Jonathan were the icing on the cake.

 

Anyway, Mr. Stanford goes over rules about respect and some karate basics at the beginning of the party...

 

 

Then the birthday girl gets a chance to show off a few of her moves...

 

And then they played tornado ball.

 

That's Dada in the above picture as I'm sure the eagle-eyed among you already noticed.

 

Then they played Swords and Shields:

 

And pizza and cake and homemade ice cream, of course.

 

Pretty sure she blew all the powdered sugar right off the cake.

 

The quote of the day was from her friend Jake. The tradition at karate birthday parties is to have the birthday kid slice the cake with a sword. Hence the title of this post. I put spaces in there, but it really came out of his mouth all in one breath like this: omigodthey'regivingherasword! It was accompanied by him rapidly sliding his chair backward. Smart kid.

 

Then it was present time and a quick game of Ninja ball. We think she had a splendid time with her buds. Thanks so much for coming, you guys!

 

Happy birthday, Care Bear!