Nona's Decorations

Over the past few years, Nona has developed a tradition of decorating our front porch on each girls' birthday. Here's the latest iteration (done with help from Clara)!

Memory lane

The girls are having an overnight tonight with "Kika" their lovely childcare provider of yore, who regularly does "alumnae sleepovers" with some of the kids. She is awesome and loves her kids so much, and I found this photo on her refrigerator of Clara as a toddler. 

Happy Birthday Molly!

What a day! Happy birthday dearest Molly! We got up early and celebrated all day long. Here's the pictures from the morning porch decoration (thank you Nona for the decorations! and Mary P for taking the pictures!):

And pictures from the afternoon "dunch" (or is it "linner"?) at the park:

This is Ten

This is ten.

Dearest Molly, 

My mother (your Nona) has reminded me several times over the past year that I did not write a “dear Molly” post on this blog last year. Turns out, I’ve been writing “dear Molly” (and “dear Clara”!) posts every year. But somehow last year got missed. In the spirit of the four part apologies that we’ve been practicing this year here goes: 

Molly, I’m sorry that I missed posting last year. These posts are meaningful for you and me, and many of our loved ones. And I enjoy them as a way to mark a special moment in time. So, for missing that marker last year, I’m sorry. I will try to continue to mark the passing of each year with a similar post (although, I must admit, that I might need to find a less public forum now that your 10!). Will you forgive me? (I hope you say yes!).

Now, with that out of the way - you are ten! Double digits! A decade! This is a big one, and I can tell you feel it! You mentioned this evening that many adults commented on the double digits, in a sort of “welcome to the club” kind of way. And yes, you are now in the club of double digit-ers. I’m so glad to have you here! 

Not that you seem to want to go back. You are charging right on a head into pre-teen-dom. Flitting back and forth between childhood and beyond as the spirit moves you. Your passion and enjoyment of creation is beautiful to watch: whether it’s engineering a book that uses no glue, staples, or tape, or figuring out the wood-block-printing with me. 

And you are more engrossed in reading than ever: your thirst for more books is almost unquenchable (particularly once you get over stubbornly refusing to read a book simply because it’s been recommended to you). 

I see you struggle also with your competing desires to help your little sister and bonk her over the head. Don’t worry. We all feel that way about people we love. It’s just a matter of how we channel those feelings, and you seem to be figuring it out pretty well (and with surprisingly few bonks!).

Swimming! I can’t forget swimming! You’ve taken it up with gusto this year, charging through the swim class levels, and hardly batting an eye when you weren’t accepted onto the swim team on first try. Rather, you stepped back, assessed your goals, and made a plan. 

Finally, friends. It’s been amazing watching you navigate the sometimes rocky waters of friendships this year. More than one parent has commented about “Fourth Grade Girl Drama”. And you and your friends have had your share. But throughout the drama (or the parts of the drama that you share with me) I’ve been touched by your genuine care and concern for all of your friends. 

As always, I can’t wait to see what you will bring to the next year - and beyond! Here’s to you! March forth, my dear child, march forth!

much love, 

Mama Sofia

Snow-eating snack time

In Soda Springs....

Zanklin homework hour

Bella is helping Clara with her math and Manny is curled up next to Molly encouraging her, too. 

Paws to read

Clara reading to Mr Ritz!