Wednesday, February 06, 2019

Brooklyn's 14th Birthday

Can somebody please tell my babies to please stop growing?  Brooklyn turned fourteen in December and Annika turned six last week.  Fortunately, Brooklyn's birthday was much less dramatic than Annika's.  (Annie's included the stomach flu, smashing through two window panes, and putting a tooth through her lip.)

Brooklyn's birthday, on the other hand, got off to a great start with some egg nog french toast.

Between BYC, choir, church, and a ward orchestra rehearsal, Brooklyn had a busy day.  Fortunately, there was still plenty of time for a family dinner with Justin, Brianna, and Ruby.  Brooklyn requested chicken alfredo...

...and lemon cake.

Brooklyn is always very grateful for her birthday gifts, but this year we nailed it.  In addition to some money for her upcoming choir and ELP trips, she got some sushi-print pajamas, a watch, and a water bottle.  You know, teenage stuff.

Even better, however, was this Harry Potter Snuggie from Aunt Brianna and Uncle Justin.

Plus check out this amazing booklight from Aunt Callie and Uncle Adam.  I'd steal it if it weren't for that whole ten commandments thing.

I think the festivities kind of wore Jason out.


You'd think the Brooklyn would be the only one receiving gifts, but Jason's coworker Nicole brought all the gals in our family these super cool Peruvian headbands.

As for Eli, he received this fun llama hat.  Jason got a grey woolen scarf that he loves.  Viva Peru!


The festivities continued the next day when Aunt Christy came to visit and we were able to celebrate her birthday.

Nothing says birthday love better than pie...

...except perhaps a baby.  Unfortunately this one was just on loan to us, but Uncle Ben seemed to enjoy his snuggle time all the same.

It was definitely a full house with the addition of the three dark-haired beauties we were babysitting.  We'd be glad to keep them but we'd have to get in line.

It's scary to think that in another decade, Brooklyn could have one of her own.  (Two decades would be fine too.)

Happy 14th birthday, Brooklyn!  While I get teary eyed thinking about you growing up and officially moving into high school, I am consoled by how happy our days right now.  Far from being the stereotypical sullen teenager, you are thoughtful, considerate, and engaged in so many great things.  I love working at West where you stop by every lunch with a huge smile spread across your face to give me a quick hug.  You are a natural leader, whether at home, church, school, or scouts.  Between Young Women, Junior Choir, Science Olympiad, Youth Chamber Orchestra, Cadettes, and piano lessons, you artfully manage an extremely busy schedule, particularly given your intense academic load.  I love how through it all, you continue to make family a priority.  Thanks for making time to ski with us, tolerating our no-phone fetish, and being so fantastic with your siblings.  We love you and are so blessed to have you in our family. 

P.S.  Just for the record, here are the classes and teachers you currently have as an eighth grader in West's Extended Learning Program.  I know you have an incredible memory, but some day when you are officially old like me, you might appreciate the reminder.  
  • ELP Science - Crystal King
  • ELP Language Arts - Marene Stensrud
  • Honors Sec Math II - Ni'l Kinikini
  • Advanced Art - Jamie Delfin
  • ELP US History - Sandra Twiggs
  • PE 8 - Sydney Aland
  • Spanish for Native Speakers II - Yulliana Novoa
  • Junior Choir - Melinda Benson



After this schedule, ninth grade should be a breeze!

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