November 19th

It's Lia's birthday!!!  She's SEVEN!!!  Seven caught us by surprise really, but man, this lead up to seven has been pretty remarkable, so I'm curious for what the next year will bring.

She's SO BIG!!!  And so completely over the top awesome.  Oh and the "flip sequins" on the clothes is where its at in 1st grade!  Well, that and Jojo Siwa bows in their hair - which, up until now - I have resisted.  They are just HUGE!

Lia loves barbies, pink, sparkles, being fancy, bugs, climbing, mud and rain boots.  She is the most delightful oxymoron there ever was.  She is demanding and strongwilled, but is also an excellent leader who is full of compassion.  Lia surprises everyone with her innate gross motor skill (read: climbing) abilities and no challenge is too difficult (when she is in a good mood).  Her teacher finds her to be "super sweet" and "very interested in learning and she doesn't give up easily."  She's a good friend to others and has made some sweet little friends at school. 

Her reading has just taken off like a rocket lately and she is reading anything and everything she can get her hands on.  She picked up a chapter book the other day and read it like it was no big thing.  Are you kidding me kid?? 

Having Erin and Halle going to school with her has proven to be very helpful for her.  It is SO MUCH easier to get her up in the morning and she isn't as difficult in the afternoons.  Much of this may also be due to her growing up, but I think having some company in the morning makes it easier.  About 50% of the time, Lia will walk with Erin and Halle into their kindergarten area before walking to her room, but (let's be honest) they don't really care if she is there or not.  LOL.  Lia has a harder time separating than either of them do.  Usually she wants us to walk her to the door closest to her classroom so she can wave bye through the window.  Hey, whatever works.  :)

About mid-way through our photo shoot she fell backwards off the stool she was sitting on.  It was muddy.  She was giggling hysterically.  It could have gone either way, so glad she thought it was funny.

She's lost 2 teeth on the bottom and one more is loose right now - and Lia is taking notes from Mimi about pulling teeth.  I really think she is just trying to yank them all to earn more $$$.  Seems there is only 1 tooth growing in where the 2 teeth came out - we'll see how that shakes out.  Saving now for braces.  ;)

Just thought this pic was cute.  Pretty sure she was dancing here.

 Lia continues to set the tone for the family it seems.  When she is happy and in a good mood, everyone is also.  When she is struggling, it is a struggle for us all.  Luckily the tough days are spacing out as she has gotten older.  I've also learned when (and when not) to let things go.  It is a work in progress for sure - but lucky for us, she saves all the "tough" things for us.  And, it isn't that tough, so we know she's probably doing great 99% of the time. 

This is the "begging, puppy dog eyes, about to ask for something inappropriate" face.

Resourceful may as well be this child's middle name.  She can figure most things out and is an excellent problem solver.  She's got Todd's boy scout gene for sure! 

Happy Birthday sweet SEVEN year old girl.  You are amazing.