Allie is 17! Whoa, I remember 17. I started college at 17. 17 was aunt Rachel's favorite year.

Allie's birthday was fun. She just wanted money and to go shopping. We complied. We also surprised her with not one, but two, pair of her favorite cheap sandals from Hawaii. Sandy Hewlett picked them up for me. Allie was thrilled. She also got a dress that she had picked out at JC Penney.

We gave her some cash. We went to dinner at Sammy's in Provo. It's a burger, shake place with awesome stuff. Very unique menu items. Kamiko was to meet us, but was busy with a test, so we took his food to go and dropped it at his apartment.

With Allie's cash, we girls headed to Salt Lake on the Saturday before Allie's birthday. We went to Gateway and City Creek Malls. While out, we stopped at Cheesecake Factory for a couple of treats. We had a good time and Allie didn't even spend all of her money. She is saving some to buy a nice camera. She also had some leftover that she spent later at University Mall. The girls love to shop. They are bargain hunters, though. They have too many clothes, but got good deals on them.

I can't believe she's 17. That's when things are really fun. She's got the hang of driving and is about to be a Senior, the king of the school. She's a great girl. I love spending time with her. She's hard-working, extremely creative and Melia's best friend. She is strong in the gospel and has her own way of expressing herself and loving others. I couldn't ask for more.

the main present...clever presentation, huh?

Allie and Mel at Sammy's

Say "Cheesecake"!

birthday cake...ahhhh...red velvet!

Allie and Mel enjoying the cake

Allie in her birthday dress and Mel (after church)