Sid Is 33

When I turned 33, I called it my “Mrs. Pryor Year.” Melva Pryor was a favorite teacher of mine who taught me in elementary school. She was my teacher for third grade and that year she turned 33. I remember thinking that age seemed so old and from that point forward it became a milestone birthday in my mind.

Today, another amazing teacher turns 33. Although it has been nearly five years since Sidney last taught in a classroom, her teaching skills come in handy each day. I hope she puts them to use tonight as she instructs Sloan how to make all those candles fit on her birthday cake!

Happy Birthday, Sidney! Today she turns 33 (photo courtesy of Nicole Lynn Photos).

Okay, sorry, I always try to include a bad joke in these birthday blog posts. But before we focus on today’s special occasion and the 364 days that will follow, let’s look back at what was an extraordinary year of life for Sid: she organized two exceptional birthday parties (Bluey-themed and Taylor Swift-themed), presented at two weekend retreats, pulled off a surprise cross-country trip for the kids, earned a promotion, and received a prestigious award at work. And that just scratches the surface!

Yes, 32 was good.

As she begins her trip around the sun as a 33-year-old, I know it is going to be epic. The career achievements she attained this past year will bear beautiful fruit this year but you will have to stay tuned to learn the specifics. Sid’s devotion to Christ continues to inspire and she has set herself up for even greater ways to evangelize this year. Finally, she has shown zero signs of wanting to trade in her title as the best mom/wife so expect more unique birthday parties, special memories, and classroom project volunteering.

Happy birthday, Sid! I admire your fearlessness, love for others, and willingness to chart your own path. I love you and can’t wait for these next 52 weeks. Don’t Blink.

Sloan’s Taylor Swift-Themed 7th Birthday Party

Watch a quick video of Sloan’s Taylor Swift-themed birthday party

There was no doubt the theme of Sloan’s birthday party this year. She developed into quite the Swiftie as a 6-year-old and for several months she had a pretty clear idea how she wanted to celebrate.

Are you ready for it?!…

We threw Sloan a Taylor Swift-themed birthday party!

On Saturday, March 16, 2024, Sloan had her 7th birthday party.

Thanks to Sidney’s creativity and the generosity of our friend, Fidela Perry, the party was just about as fun as attending an actual T.Swift concert.

Sloan had a great 7th birthday party.

Fidela ordered Taylor Swift Eras Tour VIP passes to make the girls feel special. She also ordered materials for a backdrop.

Each Swiftie was given a credential, microphone, and heart-shaped glasses.

Sidney turned our living room into an all-access backstage party hall. She spent a lot of time decorating, planning the party activities, and putting together a menu.

A look at Sidney’s handiwork.

Sloan and six of her best friends lived out their Taylor Swift dreams. They made friendship bracelets using a plentiful rainbow-assortment of beads…

The girls going through the line to pick up the materials they needed for their friendship bracelets.

I read to them the Taylor Swift Little Golden Book…

I read a Taylor Swift book at the party.

We negotiated with Disney+ to release the Eras Tour movie the night before the party so the girls could watch/sing along to it…

Thanks to lucky timing, the girls got to watch the Eras Tour movie.

Of course being a Swiftie requires a lot of enthusiasm so cake was needed to replenish energy levels…

Sidney bringing Sloan her cake.

And the backdrop provided a great spot to document the party animals who attended the special day…

These girls made the party so much fun!

The concert…I mean party…went off without a hitch. Sloan had so much fun and it was definitely her best birthday party yet. Even a dad like myself had a pretty good time 😉. Don’t Blink.