It was hard waiting the month of August for these two to officially turn 7. When the day finally arrived, excitement filled the air and nothing could go wrong. They were greeted by their summer camp singing Happy Birthday to them on the way there in the morning. At home John and I planned a fun dinner followed by individual seven-tiered cakes in honor of them turning seven. They ended up reminding me of The Cat in the Hat because of the colors and crazy leaning that was happening while I was decorating them. Nothing that a dowel and a freezer can't halt.
The sparkler candles too more effort than the twins realized to blow out. But they were fun for the night's celebration.
John asked what the twins would like for dinner that night. Remarkably they created a barbeque themed dinner... barbeque chips, barbeque pizza, and corn bread. They did not like John's idea of barbeque milk or ice cream though.
The anticipation of opening presents was almost too much to handle. After everything was tore apart, they were both thrilled at what they had received. It was a great 7th birthday!
After being delayed in Chicago this summer, we stumbled upon a toy store to kill time. In it they carried Barbie Fashionistas.. the Barbie line that is created to look more like us... tall, thin, overweight, petite. Victoria just loved the looks (trendy hair cuts, colored hair) and clothes. She received three Fashionistas, clothes and shoes from Oma, Opa, & her cousins. She has played with them almost daily since and even has them sleep next to her bed at night. A true sign of loving these toys.
Since last summer when we went camping, Micah has wanted Rocket Copters with which we saw others were playing. John and I have remembered this as he constantly reminds us "I want that" when he sees something on TV or in the store. Now he's too nervous he'll loose one and so hasn't tried it out yet. Maybe back on the farm where there is open spaces to locate your copter will be a better idea.
She is enamored by unicorns still.
He still loves Batman.
Izzy's gift was a three way walkie-talkie set. I giggle knowing that she picked this partly for her pleasure. All three have enjoyed testing how far they can go for the handset to work. These are far better than a toy and can be heard clearly long distances away even in a city.
As time passed by, it has been fun going back and reading who you were at younger ages. Your personalities don't change but how they present at each age is unique. Lest I forget, here is what I want to remember about you this past year...
Micah:
1. You are my introverted, feeling child. This has created challenges with how in depth you experience life. It has been with great pleasure that I have seen you create two deep friendships with your classmate, Mark and our neighbor, Fox. After school you often ask if you can play outside or wait outside until Fox is home to play with. Calling you in for dinner is challenging as you would prefer to stay with him. You have also had your first playdate as well with Mark. Fingers crossed that Mark will be in your 2nd grade classroom.
2. Something click in you at the end of 1st grade with your reading. You were graduated from the Reading Recovery program at school before the end of the year. Ms. Yang, your reading specialist tutored you over the summer to prevent the "summer slide" though she said you didn't really need her. You are now asking for chapter books and will stay up later than desired to read them.
3. You continue to be an extremely picky eater preferring meat & carbs to anything. Bananas are your ongoing fruit staple. You are more open to trying at least on item without gagging at the table. Ironically you added liver to your repertoire after trying this on the farm this summer. Of all things!
4. You still need me to sign your song (Goodnight Sweetheart) before you are able to fall asleep. Even if it has been a challenging day emotionally, this seems to be a rock for you to sleep well and happily. This, and of course, sleeping with Battie.
5. One activity has emerged as a favorite of yours.... baseball. You truly enjoyed your first experiences on the Astros team. You are going to play again this fall though we are unsure of which team you will be joining. It is a great way to expand your peer interactions as you have been on the Pierce School's primary team.
6. While many boys prefer silky, athletic pants/shorts (which you do as well), you have another side that dresses so handsomely. You've worn you hat from Disney and suspenders which has lead us to calling you a very fine dapper dresser.
7. When you were younger, you had to always hold onto a beloved object which was usually Lighting McQueen. Now, you still have beloved objects that vary from day to day. Rather than hold onto them, you prefer pants or shirts with pockets to carry them around with you.
Victoria:
1. The social scene continues to be where you thrive! You continue with close relationships with peers that you met at kindergarten. You have added one girl to your circle, Sophie Ann, which I believe is your soul-mate in friends. This next year you two will be together again in 2nd grade as well as dance class. Giggles and squeals were provided by you when this information was given to you.
2. Dance is your preferred activity, not sports. Your jazz class stole the show this past year at the end of the year recital. You want to do this again in 2nd grade with your BFFs.... Gabby, Sohpie Ann, and Ceci. We can't wait to see how you shine at the next recital.
3. Unicorns dominate your world. If they are sparkly, even better. We have stuffed unicorns, unicorns on shirts, unicorns on pants, unicorns on underwear, unicorns on shoes, unicorn pencils, unicorn stickers... you get the idea.
4. This year we took a stab at modeling. Though I know you would be great at this, you had to show it to the photographer and agency. The photographer loved you. But when we got to the agency, you became shy. So we are waiting 6 months before going back an retrying. In the mean time, John keeps your pictures at the studio in case anyone needs a fill-in. So far you were preliminary chosen for a photo shoot with Tom Brady. But alas this was canceled.
5. Your list of nicknames grows all the time.... goofy-woofy, silly-willy, Jerry-berry, blankie-wankie, baby-wabby, jumping bean. My favorite is twinkle toes. Each and everyone if fitting of you. There is an order in which they are to be said before brushing your teeth. I wonder what will happen if I truly forget one of them some day.
6. You are a sleeper in regards to academics. I know you know more than what you present. As this is not your primary interest, you put this further down on the list of activities you are going to devote your time and attention too. You will be a challenge for teachers to find a way to tap into that mind of yours. It may need to be finding that creative side as you flourish there more than Izzy ever did at your age.
7. Your favorite continue to be blankie to sleep with though you rarely want me to sing your song to you at night. You love fruit but are willing to eat/try anything as long as there is ranch with it for dipping. Any way to bling out an outfit is sure to find it's way on your body.
