Happy Birthday, Olivia!

On Saturday night we took Olivia out to celebrate her birthday since her birthday is on Tuesday and we are going to be busy with school, work and everything "regular." We wanted to be sure to celebrate out girl turning 8 years old! Of course, of all the places she could go to for dinner she chose The Rainforest Cafe. It is both girls' very favorite place for celebrating birthdays, or to just go for a meal. Sofia wanted to go to Rainforest for her birthday lunch this year and Grandma and I took her and Olivia there but without a reservation it was over a 2 hour wait. We were all starving already and we couldn't imagine waiting that long, so we headed out and went to another favorite of Sofia's: In-N-Out Burger for lunch. So, this time, we made reservations for a birthday dinner.

We arrived early for our 6pm reservation and the girls were begging to poke through the Rainforest Cafe gift store. We convinced them to wait until after when we'd have more time. We got sat near the tigers, which is where we generally are sat, ironically. CK and I reminisced about celebrating Sofia's birthday years ago when Olivia was maybe 2 years old and Olivia freaked out each time the jungle animals "came alive." It ended up being a long dinner! Now, of course, Olivia loves when the animals come alive and that's her favorite part. Olivia colored her menu and Sofia read her book while we waited for their dinners to arrive. Of course both girls ordered the mac-n-cheese, which they absolutely love. They also walked around the restaurant when the animals came alive. They just love everything about the animals.

After we were done eating, CK wanted to check on the University of Florida basketball game that was being played, so he headed into the bar to watch for a few minutes while the girls and I explored the gift shop. They love everything that place has to offer, and this was no different. Olivia found an exact match to her beloved Giraffey! It was so cute, but I convinced her that she didn't need another one competing with her lovey. CK told her if she found one thing she really liked, that could be one of her birthday presents, so she continued looking. She found this super cool glass giraffe that was on a light, so it would light up from the bottom. It was so beautiful and unique. CK was more than happy to buy it for Olivia and she plans to use it every night at bedtime. She was so excited.

We got home to sing Happy Birthday and to eat some delicious birthday cake and ice cream! Olivia then opened a few gifts and received more in the following days from Sian, Aunt Becky and Aunt and Uncle. What a fun way to celebrate our sweet (almost) 8 year old!

Our girl sure loves giraffes!

The birthday girl and tigers.

Working on a little coloring while waiting for our dinner.

Swigging root beer like a champ!

Sofia reading a book, of course.

Our dinner companions!

Exploring the Rainforest Cafe gift shop.

Hanging out on the giraffe stool at the bar.

Happy Birthday, Olivia!

Getting ready for a delicious piece of birthday cake!

First Day of School!

Today was the first day of school for Sofia going into 7th grade and Olivia into 3rd grade! Although they haven't gotten out of bed before 9am all summer, they actually roused pretty easily at 6:30am. I think they were both excited and looking forward to getting the year started. On Thursday afternoon, we went to CES to see the class list and meet Olivia's teacher this year. Olivia was really excited and hopeful that she and Cora, one of her best friends would be in class for the 3rd straight year. After getting to school, we found the list in the hallway and unfortunately neither Cora or Hannah are in class with Olivia this year. Olivia was so disappointed that she started crying and wanted to go home! I knew she would be upset, but I was surprised at how upset she was. After a few minutes, I talked her into meeting her new teacher, Mrs. Smith, since I don't know who she is and I really wanted to meet her. Olivia dried her tears and we headed upstairs to the 3rd grade hall. Sofia enjoyed being back at CES and walking the halls too, which was pretty cool. She loved visiting her 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. Feaster, who was a first year teacher when Sofia had her for 3rd grade! She couldn't believe how big Sofia has gotten!

We made it to Mrs. Smith's classroom and she immediately gave both Olivia and me a huge hug! She has a huge smile and tons of positive energy and I know it's going to be a great year for our little 3rd grader! She was still a little blue when she found her desk but lightened up enough for a picture before turning a little sad again. So, we checked out who else was in her class and I know it's going to be a great year for her, even if she is apprehensive now. While Olivia checked out her seat and who else would be at her table, Sofia immediately picked out a book from Mrs. Smith's shelves, sat on the couch and started reading. We said hello to Cora and her family and Hannah before we headed home.

This morning, after a filling breakfast of a cheese omelette for Olivia and a breakfast sandwich for Sofia, the four of us drove to CES to drop Olivia off for her first day. We were one of the first students to Mrs. Smith's class and she offered Olivia a huge happy hug. We settled Olivia into her desk and gave her a few last hugs before wishing her a great first day. Then, we drove to CTMS to drop Sofia off. Of course, Sofia is cool as a cucumber and not at all nervous about her year ahead. On our drive I asked if she had her schedule and she realized she didn't but said she'd "figure it out" and wasn't worried at all. I showed her the photo of her schedule so she knew her classroom numbers and we dropped her off at C Hall and wished her well. She showed little emotion one way or another for her first day of 7th grade!

At pick-up, I asked Olivia how her day went and she said it was good. She said one of the girls in her class sat next to her at lunch and didn't let any other girls talk or play with Olivia. This particular girl has done this to other girls we know, so I told her to continue telling her it is wrong to exclude others. Besides that little story, she said she had fun at recess and she likes Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Seifried, who will be teaching her math and science. So, it seemed like a good first day. We drove over to CTMS and picked up Sofia, who loves to tell every detail of her day. She loves her math teacher and has the same teachers for science and art. She has a new teacher to CTMS for her Humanities/Texas history period, and she said he is very funny and awesome. Also, Coach Arnold is her coach for PE and he is the brother-in-law of one of her very favorite teachers from middle school. She has a new teacher for Independent Study, but likes her and is super excited for her year. She wasn't sure what to expect and thinks she has the best teachers ever. She also has made a vow to stay on top of all of her work and homework and turn things in on time! Hopefully she can stick to that! We are very excited for a fun year for both girls!

Thursday afternoon after getting the student list and finding her new desk.

Her true feelings come out...poor girl.

Sofia is happy to hang out and read.

Olivia's schedule for this school year.

Sofia's class schedule for 7th grade.

Olivia is ready!

CK and Olivia.

Sofia is ready for her first day of 7th grade!

Our sweet girls!

The girls and me.

Love these girls so much!

CK and his girls!

Olivia is a little tired.....

Heading up to the 3rd grade hallway.

Walking to Mrs. Smith's classroom.

A much-needed hug from her sweet teacher!

Olivia and Mrs. Smith.

Settling Olivia into her 3rd grade desk.

Fun on the Lake with Aunt and Uncle

Aunt and Uncle arrived for a weekend at the lake house! We were so excited to have them visit and Olivia was sure to write on our blackboard welcoming them to our place. Since they travel back and forth between Washington DC and Santa Fe often, they generally stop in DFW to change planes, so they made a plan to stop and visit for a few days and then go on to Santa Fe. We were all so excited to have Aunt and Uncle with us for a visit and to have fun on the boat together. Many years ago my Aunt and Uncle loved sailing and spent a lot of time on the water, however, since they bought the Santa Fe house most of their free time has been directed to spending time there. So, they were equally excited to spend some time on the lake. They have heard us talk about the lake house often, so it was great to finally have them.

Aunt and Uncle arrived on Friday afternoon with lots of goodies - nuts and snacks, wonderful body lotion, a terrific candle, a great house plant and toys and a fantastic game to play with the girls. They brought a game called Slapzi, which none of us have ever heard of, but soon became a favorite. Somehow, no matter who played or how many times the game was played, Sofia won every single hand! It is partly a memory game, so that does make sense that she is very good at it. It's fast and fun and everyone could play.

Before dinner we headed out for a quick, relaxing trip on the boat so Aunt and Uncle could see our lake and we could get a little fresh air before dinner. After we returned from our short boat trip, we cooked fresh crappy, a salad and veggies and it was all delicious, as usual. It was so fun to all be working and talking in the kitchen together. I've spend so much time cooking with my Aunt and Uncle, whether it was in DC or at Thanksgiving, and it's one of my favorite times. After dinner, we sat around and talked and played games (yes, more Slapzi won by Sofia) until bed time. We wanted to get a full night's sleep so we would be ready for a fun day on the lake.

The next day was a full day on the water. Sofia has newly started driving the jet ski, although she's a little shy of being legal. She's actually a good driver and very safe, so we're trying to get her comfortable with short trips (and an adult) now. She begged to take Uncle Steve out, so we got them ready and also got Aunt Shirl ready to go out on her own. She said she hadn't been on a jet ski in ages and loved it. It really is one of the most fun things to do on the lake! My favorite thing to do is explore in some of the coves, where the boat can't necessarily go. I love looking at all the houses and checking out the boats. Sofia and Uncle Steve where gone about 30 minutes and Uncle Steve said Sofia drove like a pro. Aunt Shirl came back shortly after and said she had such a fantastic time! After we put the jet skis up, we loaded into the boat and the girls jumped on the inner tube and got pulled all over the lake while Aunt and Uncle watched. Those girls would spend all day out there, if they could.

When we were all hungry, we headed over to the Lone Star Marina for lunch at the Tiki Hut, which is really the only option there. It actually very friendly service and decent food. It was super crowded, so we had to park the boat on the far slip, which I still don't feel 100% comfortable doing, but CK is awesome at it. He pulled the boat in like he's done it a million times and we tied it off like we are pros. We headed upstairs to the Tiki Hut and sat out on their balcony, which is a fun way to spend lunch. The food was good and once we had full bellies, we headed back to the boat and out onto the lake. Of course the girls were back out on the inner tube in minutes being dragged all over the lake.

Unfortunately, Aunt and Uncle's flight was later that afternoon so we returned to the house so they could shower and pack up. We said our goodbyes and were sad to see them go. It was so great having them at the lake house and we just wish they could be with us for longer. We did get a good visit in and I love how much the girls love spending time with them. I love their relationship with each other. After we said goodbye, we decided to head back out on the water. It was such a beautiful day out and being on the lake made us a little less sad to say goodbye. We hope to have them back soon!

Welcome Aunt and Uncle! Olivia wanted to be sure that they were welcome when they arrived.

Playing several rounds of Slapzi's, all of them won by Sofia.

Sofia giving Uncle Steve a ride on the jet ski!

Aunt Shirl getting set up to go out on the jet ski.

Off she goes!

Heading out on the boat! The girls on the inflatable!

They would be happy to spend hours out there!

Dinner!

Sofia and Uncle Steve go out for another ride.

CK and Olivia heading back.

Heading back to our house after lunch.

Group selfie!

The girls!

Sofia at 12 Years Old!

Sofia is TWELVE and not so sure she's ready to grow up. She is really growing up fast and is going to be as tall as I am in no time! She is currently 5'3" (91st percentile) tall and weighs 125 lbs (90th percentile) and I just bought her size 9 (the same size I wear) running shoes for school! She still loves wearing skorts and we've found a good supply at Land's End, which offers up to size 16, which is the size she is currently wearing. She loves her "Nerd/Nasa" shirt and all of her shirts that are graphic t-shirts. She doesn't even own jeans, since she finds them and all pants to be too uncomfortable. She wears her turquoise Crocs every day and really needs a new pair soon since she wore them all over Europe and has worn them for over a year. She generally only wears dresses on Sunday and she looks so cute in them, bud doesn't chose them any other time.

Sofia still loves to play pretend, make up very elaborate stories, and just be a kid and she often says she just wants to stay a kid and not really grow up. She still loves reading her fantasy books, especially if they involve dragons, but she is becoming more interested in other genres too. Recently she started reading the Nancy Drew series and is hooked. She also enjoyed several mystery and other non-fantasy books while we traveled through London and France. She absolutely loved our trip to Europe and her knowledge of history and mythology really served her well while we were there. She immediately fell in love with London and has said since the third day we were there that she wants to go to school in London. She was a very adventurous eater on our trip, trying and enjoying foie gras, roasted duck and truffle. She really fell in love with the baguettes and the baguette sandwiches in France too. She has also really turned into an easy traveler and went along with our busy day with a smile and was encouraging to Olivia when her legs were tired.

In March, after we returned from Spring Break, Sofia got her braces! She was not looking forward to getting them and begged to put it off longer, but then as soon as they were on, she loved them! She was so excited to get them and couldn't wait to show them off at school! She never even complained about how they felt! Also in March, Sofia made the "A" Honor Roll at school! It was her goal after she made "A/B" Honor Roll in the Fall. Her classes and grades come easy to her, other than math. She tends to overthink math and makes simple mistakes or thinks she doesn't know it and makes a mistake. We hired our sweet 16-year old neighbor to tutor her each week which really helped her so much! Within two weeks, her grades jumped up and she was getting As in math. She just needs a little extra explanation on some problems and concepts and is too embarrassed to ask in class, so having Hailey help her has been a huge help!

In May she was initiated into the National Charity League! One of my tennis friends, Kim, has told me for years that she planned to sponsor us to be selected into the mother-daughter national volunteer organization. It's a huge honor to be part of it and we've spent nearly every week volunteering with kids to help with homework at the Valuable After School Time (VAST). Sofia has loved it and it's been a fantastic experience and such a great experience for both of us. We look forward to helping others together over the next eight years!

I've always said that Sofia is just a genuinely optimistic person and I think that is the trait that will end of serving her best throughout her life. One of my favorite stories of Sofia took place in the spring. Olivia and I picked her up from school and I asked how her day had gone. She loves to share what she did in each class and how her day went. That day, she said "really good" and then she relayed to us all the things she'd done in her classes. She said during P.E. she'd been hit hard in the face by a ball during dodgeball and had to "sit down and cry for a minute" and it was "fine" and she still considered that day to be "really good." In fact, she had maybe three days that "weren't great" but perked up quickly after she'd told me about each of the issues. It's such a great trait for anyone to have and I hope she embraces her optimism throughout her life! She lives in the moment and enjoys whatever she is doing at the time. She doesn't get sad or pensive easily. She is social but loves her solo time either reading or being on her own. School has been a great social outlet for her, although she desperately misses recess in 6th grade. She wishes she had 30 minutes to decompress during her day and actually play with her friends. Sixth grade has been a huge change for her from 5th grade but she really loves it. She loves switching classes, all of her teachers and the challenge of each accelerated class. She had a sweet friend, Carmel who was new to the Aspire Program for 6th grade and they were immediate friends. They seemed like two peas in a pod. Unfortunately, Carmel and her family moved to Ft. Worth in March and Sofia was very sad for that entire week. But, she slowly got back into her normal happy and easy-going mood and texts Carmel from my phone nearly every day. I hope there is someone new like Carmel at her school in 7th grade, although she really is one of a kind.

Sofia still loves staying in her pjs all day long, if she can do so and she loves just lounging, reading, playing MineCraft, etc. The things she really enjoys doing, like going to a water park, playing with friends or being with her sister are important to her and she loves doing those things, but otherwise she is happy to stay at home and relax and/or play. She enjoys the lake and really loves spending time either playing in her room or riding the inflatable for HOURS. She really loves being pulled around on the lake, as long as the boat goes straight. She gets frustrated with her Papa if he tries to add any turns. She still likes to know "the plan" instead of feeling like things change for her. So she goes along with outings if she knows what the plan is for our day.

When she grows up, Sofia wants to be an author. She wants to write fantasy children's books that include dragons and magic. She actually spends a good amount of time writing on her laptop now and I keep pestering her to finish one of her stories, since she has several going at the same time. Her ideas are really endless and she's a very good writer and editor already. She loves to run dialog past me so she can get my input on whether it sounds authentic or not.

Her favorites include:

Breakfast: Breakfast sandwich (English Muffin, A slice of cheese and an over easy egg)
Lunch: Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich and an In-N-Out burger (with cheese and raw onions and ketchup only)
Dinner: Spaghetti casserole
Vegetables: carrots and radishes
Favorite Drink: Lemonade
Animal: Leopards, dogs and hawks (or any bird)
Books: Too many to pick just one
Show: The Flash
Movie: Spiderman
School subject: Independent Study

Our sweet, smart girl is 12!

Braces, March 2019!

Making "A" Honor Roll! Her goal for Spring!

National Charity League initiation with her friend Abby!

The girls and I on Mother's Day.

Riding on the inter tube with Olivia and Lexi. She could ride all day long!

Sofia, Olivia and Lexi clowning around on the inter tube!

The girls and Lexi making S'mores at the lake.

Sofia and me at Magnolia.

The girls and Buddy on the boat at sundown.

The girls and me enjoying a cold treat.

These two are best buddies! Love them so much!

Sofia and her FAVORITE: French macaroons!

Another macaroon in Paris.

Sofia doing her usual - reading! That girl can't get enough of books!