Aubrey's PJ party!

Friday night, Aubrey hosted a 'Shopkins' Pajama Party to celebrate her 8th birthday.  Pizza, Minute to Win It games, gifts, a shopkins walk, ice cream cake, crafts, and a movie....all in three hours!  The girls had a BLAST!  So much so, in fact, that the neighbors called to see if they could join in all the squealing, screaming, shrieking fun!  ;)  Suffice it to say, I think Aubrey felt the love. 

8 is great!

Happy 8th birthday Aubrey!

My Sweet Aubrey,
I have so much to say to you in celebration of you turning EIGHT, but the words just won't come.  All that surfaces to the forefront of  my mind is:  HOW IN THE WORLD is it possible, that my baby is another 365 days older YET AGAIN?

After some reflection, it is becoming clearer to me that you have changed a lot this year, and like most kids your age, are fighting to become a more independent "big kid." You are discovering new talents and loves, and expanding your own experiences.  You have been busy rounding yourself out as a person, and discovering who you are.  No longer do you emulate your sister and her likes and wants.  You now have your very own.

For example:
You discovered your love of softball this year, and call it your "talent."  Soon, a new season will begin, and we will once again witness your smiling face in the field, and your furrowed brow at the plate.  It is a joy to watch you play. 

You discovered your musical side as well.   You now play the piano, and practice on your own, reading the music by sight.  Very quickly, you learned enough that I could no longer help you.  This ability, this talent, is all your own. 

You discovered a special place in your heart for a dog.  Abi has changed you.  You no longer fear strange animals, but rather approach them with glee and an open palm.  Your affection for her, and hers for you, is like no other relationship you've ever had.  You will always remember her as your first canine love.

You discovered that you missed dance, and you returned, only to be reminded how naturally elegant you are.  You *look* like a ballerina at that barre, and your grace and perseverance together make watching you dance a pleasure.

You discovered your propensity for collecting.  You cannot. get. enough. of the squishy little figurines called Shopkins, and your drive to obtain them is remarkable.  Perhaps someday, it will be diamonds, or cars, or shoes, but for now...it is Shopkins, and they are dearly important to you.

While doing all of this, you have continued to develop into a beautiful young girl.  Your daddy and I couldn't be more proud of you, your discoveries, and especially your capacity to love.  We are so happy to be a part of your celebration, and look forward to watching you grow and change this year too.

So, happy 8th birthday, my sweet bug!  We love you to the moon and back!
Love, hugs, and snuggles forever,
Mom and Daddy

Happy 11th birthday Camryn!

Dear Camryn,
Yet again, another year has flown by.  You are ELEVEN now...officially a "tween."  I think they call you this because you are kind of stuck beTWEEN being a kid, and a teen.  Being this age means there are many things that are *almost* within your grasp, while your daddy and I, holding tight to your ankles while you stretch and reach for these things, are desperately trying to keep you little.

You did slowly begin your transition this year, though.  You occasionally stay home alone...just you and your pup, while I take your sister to piano.  This weekly tradition, as it's become, is good practice for you, as you grow old enough to do this more often, and become more independent.  At first, you were nervous, counting the minutes until we returned home, but now you look forward to your alone time, and all of the choices and decisions those 35 minutes hold.

You've also become a leader.  You are a model student in your Acro 3 class, holding your own with some of the best performers at the studio.  You have strengthened your body and your resolve, and have mastered tricks and skills that most kids never do.  You also became a leader in your school this year.  The younger kids look up to you as a 5th grade Ambassador, because they know you consistently make good choices, and will always help them if they are in need.  Your teachers know they can count on you too, and your peers follow your example.  It is so fun to see you take on these roles.

With eleven comes a time for big transitions.  Soon, you will take all that you've learned in your six years at Deer Creek, and travel onward to middle school.  You will have more choices, make more decisions, and meet more friends.  You will learn so much, not only about academics, but about life.  Though I feel a little wistful, wishing you could stay little a bit longer, I am also stirring with anticipation and excitement, because I can see what is ahead of you.  I know you, and I know that you will thrive in middle school.  Your intelligence, independence, and leadership will take you far, and you will be a part of great things.

So celebrate heartily, this turning eleven.  For great things are in store for you...VERY great things.  I am honored and privileged to be a part of it all, and support you along the way.

I love you, sweet girl.  My eleven year old.  My "tween."  You are amazing.
Happy birthday from your biggest fans,
Mom and Daddy

Birthday Sleepover!

To celebrate turning 11, Camryn chose to host a sleepover for a few of her nearest and dearest friends.  Pizza, Wii dance, crafts, M.A.S.H., ice cream sundaes, nail painting, movies, popcorn, and LOTS and LOTS of giggles made for a pretty fun celebration.  :)