And then they were NINE!

There was a time when I thought I would dread my children outgrowing the "early childhood" years. And somehow, despite my best efforts, they did. Somehow, they stopped looking like this:

And started looking like this:

Nine years old. Fourth grade. Riding bikes and taking walks around the block...without me. Sitting in the cafe at the grocery store, reading books while I shop instead of riding in the cart. Oh, girls... You are bright, independent, out-going, creative, and loving young ladies. 

Elise... your nine-year old spirit shone this past school year and made me so very, very proud. You became bonded to a classmate with pretty intense behavioral needs. A classmate who had outbursts and aggression and a frequently disagreeable nature. But none of that phased you - you would tell me "mom, I can see that look in his face when he's getting mad, and I'd just leave him alone but he's one of my best friends". You chose this classmate to play with at recess... he chose you for earned lunch buddies with teachers. Your gooofiness is strong right now but your acceptance of twists and turns along the way is equally as strong.

You are rarely far from colored pencils and paper... drawing, tracing, detailing somebody and their fashion. Speaking of fashion... you like crazy prints and mismatched socks... styling your own hair in anything from a bun on top of your head to pigtails. 

Abby... your nine-year old spirit shined bright this year and made me so very, very proud. As your piano recital approached in May, you started to stumble. Your songs tripped you up and the day before the recital you insisted that you couldn't do it, that maybe I should let you sit this one out. But guess what? You didn't sit out and you played beautifully and flawlessly on stage in front of a crowd. Your emotions are powerful right now but your courage is equally as strong. 

You love your pens and, at a moment's notice, are fast at my side when I sit down to practice handlettering. You can be quiet and serious, carefully forming letters or coloring minute details on a picture. Your methods are precise and necessary - the nightly straitening of your quilt and blankets is clearly memorable however slightly maddening. ;) You like your hair pulled back and tidy - however the "messy bun" has become a go-to style this summer and I couldn't love it any more. 

Happy Birthday, sweet baby girls! You are so loved by so, so many!