My babies are 10...Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, sweet loves! Just the other day an old friend "facebooked" me a note and asked "how are your little babies doing?" Time has probably escaped her and I answered, my babies are now 10 years old and growing up.

Did you hear that? My babies are 10. My teeny tiny babies are 10. Double digits. The "tween" years. Holy cow, the twins are growing up. We have seen some big changes this year. And, we are truly enjoying the journey. Zachary and Ellie bring such enthusiasm, joy and excitement to our home.

This year, in 4th grade...Zachary is a little boy who loves fashion. His style began to emerge this year as "Classic grunge." Hats, belts, long shorts and "quicksilver" tee shirts complete his look perfectly. Zachary loves to go out to dinner. He enjoys all kinds of food (he just doesn't eat much) His favorite food right now is Thai food. Zachary is a"rock and roll" kid. He loves Johnny Cash, Cold Play, Cake, and added a new band to his list of favorites this year, the Ting-Tings. Zachary is involved in scouts and just moved up to weblos. He also does pt/ot therapy every week. His favorite past time is video games. Let's just say, we definitely need to limit his time or he would would choose to play all day. This year we have seen a renewed interest in school from Zachary. He takes pride in his work. His favorite subject is science. In addition, he does really well in social studies. He works and studies hard for each test, hoping to score an A. We are really proud of him especially with reading. It's still his biggest hurdle, but he works hard to overcome it. He is reading with more ease this year (when all the conditions are right...size of print, lighting etc) We are so happy with his continual hard work, Independence and determination. Zachary is happiest when he is right beside his daddy, and loves to be home with his family. The best part is...he's still my snuggle bug!

Ellie is my high spirited 4th grader. She is learning a lot about herself this year. Challenging herself to grow and stretch outside her comfort zone. She is learning more about friendships. She loves to have playdates, especially "late-overs." This year, Ellie loves to make up dances and perform them to an audience. Infact, she tried out for the talent show this year doing the "hoedown-throwdown" We were so proud of her determination and desire to accomplish her goal. She still loves to read, and is a "speed-reader". She reads soooo fast that I worried about comprehension. No need, she continues to score 100% in comprehension. Her favorite pastime is playing on the computer or reading her "guide to girls" book. Her style is starting to evolve this year as well. She has always been my "jeans and tennis shoes" girl. However, she is starting to notice other fashions and slowing branching out. Anything blue or turquoise is a hit! She dreams of wearing make-up, not until Young Women's, Ellie. But, she has fun doing "make-overs" for play. We've seen so much growth in Ellie this year, and so proud of the young lady is she is becoming. She is loving and honest with her feelings. She loves her brother and sister. She instinctively protects Zach, and is always concerned for his well being. She loves "family home evening" and just being together.

We had a fabulous birthday celebration. Gigi & papa, and grandpa & grandma were in town to help us celebrate. The twins have always wanted to go to Kobe Steakhouse, so that's exactly what we did. They loved it. For a birthday gift this year, we did an "extreme room make-over" for the twins. As they left for school, we all pitched in and painted, then decorated for a total room makeover. I will post pictures later. They were surprised! They love their new rooms and the Independence that comes with it. Thanks to Gigi, Papa and Grandma & Grandpa for all the love and help along the way.

I hope their 10th year will bring upon as many positive experience and happiness as this one has.