2-25, Growing Girl

Where did the time go?

(....and the bottom 3 inches of Emalie's pants?!)

When people say "they grow up too fast," they're not kidding!

2-24, Nik's Birthday Weekend

It's hard being a parent sometimes (ok, most, if not all, of the time).  You want your kids to be happy.  In this day and age, it seems like that can only happen if they get everything they want.  As a parent, you know you that can't happen.  As a kid, you don't understand that.  Nikolas had great plans to have his friend, who moved away from our neighborhood a year and a half ago, spend the night the weekend before his birthday.  Nikolas was so excited because he only gets to see this friend a few times a year.  Well, the plans didn't work out.  Unfortunately, his friend had to travel out of state to visit his dying grandfather.  It must be a genetic thing, because Nikolas doesn't handle disappointments well and I understand that all too well.  Clearly he was disappointed and sad, but he's had to deal with loss in our family so he understands that, too.  We did the best we could to make up for this unexpected change in plans.  We ate his favorite foods (sushi, donuts and pizza) and took him out for his favorite activity (bowling).  (Sven was all set to take him to the movies, too, but Nikolas opted to play with another neighborhood friend instead.) Although he enjoyed these activities, his disappointment at missing the opportunity to spend time with the other friend was unmistakable. You never outgrow some friends, even if it seems like it would just be easier if you did, I suppose.  So, I don't think Nikolas' 12th birthday will ever rate among his top best, but deep down I think he's just happy being another year older (why are they in such a rush?!).  

Happy Birthday, Nikolas, we love you!

Pathetic scores for all of us....except Emalie.  She's only a few points behind in the 10th frame!

A genuine hug from sister....although I'm surprised she's not kicking him under the table with as much as they rival these days! 

We'd already done donuts the morning before, so we celebrated with apple pie (why bake one when he loves Costco's so much?!) for his birthday dessert.

You can just tell by the look on his face that his wish hadn't come true.  Sad!

Throughout the disappointment, maybe this experience has made him that much stronger and a little more flexible.  Gotta find that bright side somewhere.....!  And for those of you who sent gifts to Nikolas for his birthday-- THANK YOU!!!!