Well, since it has been so very long since I posted I thought I could do a post about each of the kids individually instead of trying to go through all of the activities we have done over the last several months. First up is Anna. A lot of wonderful things have happened for Anna this year. She turned 10 in January! She is such a wonderful surprising mix of characteristics she is just a delight to be around. She is very quiet and observant and often notices things others don't. That means she is often aware of how you are feeling. She often knows just what to do even without asking you about it. I appreciate this so much about her. She has brightened my day several times just by taking the time to sit and talk to me. I have seen her do it with her brothers and sisters as well.
Anna also can be a worrier. Sometimes this is to her benefit because she works so hard to make sure something has a good outcome. She is the most careful with homework an practicing. She worries a lot but then she always ends up doing very well. Her piano recital a few weeks ago is a prime example. She worried and cried and practiced and practiced, but when it came down to it. She got up there and performed beautifully.
Anna is also a good friend. She is kind to those that are difficult to be kind to. She isn't interested in being popular (at least not yet). She justs needs one or two good friends. Even her birthday party she only wanted to invite 2 girls even though numerous times I said she could invite more. She knew what she wanted and so we stuck with that.
Anna can be surprising as well. Normally quiet and reading a book or making up some creative game, she will sometimes be quite crazy. Fun crazy, not annoying crazy. She makes me laugh and can really get all the kids going.
Anna started go glasses in January. Instead of a very plain, conservative pair, she chose this fun, colorful pair. She was very concerned about letting people see her in them at first, but now she faithfully wears them almost all of the time. I think she looks darling, and she is happy she can see better.
One of the most exciting things for Anna so far this year is that she has started taking flute lessons. She begged and begged for one for Christmas and she got it. She knew band was starting next year in 5th grade and wanted to feel comfortable before it began (otherwise she likely would not do it). I got her a flute teacher and she has been taking lessons the last few months. It has been wonderful for her. Her confidence has grown and it is something that none of the other kids do and makes her unique. She is really feeling a lot more comfortable in her own skin. We are so proud of her and the beautiful young woman she is becoming.
Here is Anna with the two girls she invited over for her birthday party.
This girl is Anna's best friend and they love that they both have brown hair and glasses. I really hope she is in Anna's class again next year.
Anna is 10 years old.
Here is Anna on her actual birthday. This purple chair for her room was her favorite present. I am not sure why but that day was just one of those days where you feel soo happy and realize how blessed you are and you can hardly believe it. It is one of those days where your heart just swells with gratitude. We enjoyed eating dinner together, dancing around the living room together and eating ice cream and talking. It was wonderful! Everyone was just on that day.
Here are Ben, Jacob and Lizzy dancing around on Anna's birthday.
Anna enjoying her favorite, spaghetti and meatballs with the birthday plate and cup.
We love you Anna.
