Kate Turns 11

Kate is 11!  To start the morning, we made waffles and sang to her.  This is the first time she remembers attending school on her birthday--usually it falls during Spring Break.  She could not believe she had both soccer practice and school on her birthday, and begged for a pass on piano (granted).  

The day before, we stopped into Target to get Walker a present, and found this birthday sash which she work all day with a pride.  

The day brought rain and rainbows, which worked well with her sash, birthday cake, and new romper.  It also cancelled her soccer practice so she was thrilled.  Rainbows!  

Brady came home early from work, picking up her cake and sushi/curry/noodles.  I took Owen to practice and wished I had my girl there to play basketball.  She was playing card games with Cory.  When I got home, we played trampoline games and Bocce ball before eating her favorite foods and cake, and finally opening presents.

Roller Skates!  Her big present didn't make in time--a new surfboard--but the skates will keep her cruising. 

A Saint Christoper Necklace from Cory!  She said to me the next day, "I have no idea who this guy is but everyone likes him and so do I."  

Birthday cards from Grandparents who think ahead.

Her breathing extinguished the candles over and over again.

Another card from Great Grandma Marian, addressed to Kate Marian.  

Kate!  Kate is always thinking of others.  She is 100% honest and wants to do the right thing in every circumstance.  Her teachers know they can count on her to be a leader and example to other students.  

Kate is musical.  She plays the piano and sways to her music, she sings, she dances without inhibition, and she no longer hates piano.  She turned a corner where she can sight read most music for primary and accompanies every other week.  She learns dance choreography with ease.  

Kate appreciates good food, especially curry, sushi, fish tacos, and salmon bowls.  High quality food is not wasted on her.  She loves veggies and salad.  She eats more than I do.

It goes without saying after the Spelling Bee post that she is determined.  She is a cautious person but has learned to be aggressive on the soccer field.  She is always in the right position.  She runs fast and has endurance.  

Kate decided last year that she didn't understand the scriptures and wanted to.  We bought her some books to help her comprehend the material and she reads them every single night.  

Kate is Owenʻs best friend and Zacharyʻs terror.  I believe they will figure it out at some point but currently I am clinging to moments when all three kids are getting along peacefully.  

Love this girl.  Happy, happy birthday to my favorite girl in the universe!