Some things in life are just beyond words. Watching my baby girl grow is one of them.
She's always been a bit shy. However, I've noticed lately when the camera comes out so does her inner diva. Some days I wonder if I'm going to survive her adolence because I'm getting a run for my money and she's only five. With that said, I must confess that she is the fashion police for modesty. It is a lovely quality to have when we are shopping for clothes and she says, "No, I like this dress, but it shows my arms here and that's not modest." Grace loves rules, guidelines, and stability. It's a glorious time in life.
This summer was about overcoming challenges. Grace proceeded to tell all the kids she could ride a two wheel bike. So like any good parents, we had her prove it. We took the training wheels off, tossed them in the trash can and had her ride alone. This was a bit more difficult than Grace initially thought. She pleaded to have her training wheels back on, but we refused. After marginal success in the park, and many hours of patient persistance she learned to ride all alone.
We went on our first official date out. The kids and I went to a dinner and paino concert sponsered by Grace's teacher, Grethe and Louis. It was a spectacular evening.
Piano lessons are met with a frustrating pull between quitting because it's harder than anticipated and fighting through to achieve. So far Grace has proven to be a person with goals and is willing to work until she accomplishes them great success. After two years of piano lessons she wants to begin violin lessons. We will see where that takes us when two years comes along.
As parents it difficult to release control and allow our children to make their own choices. Grace absolutely wanted to cut her hair chin length. She would look adorable, I know. But for a girl who likes to tuck her hair behind her ears and wear ponytails we weren't willing to let her go that drastically short yet. Our hairdresser and neighbor did the honors and chopped the old hair off for school.
Nothing made her feel like a school kid more than a haircut by a "real haircutter". Anne can't wait until she gets to go to kindergarten and cut her hair off too. Thankfully we compromised at the shoulders because Grace is ready to grow her hair out again. This length has helped Grace learn how to take care of her own hair, wash it, rinse it, comb it. This was another great feat in our summer of surprises.
The first day of school.
Waiting for mom at the end of the day.
I was glad to see she enjoyed school. There were no tears for anyone which was great. And best of all, SHE LOVES TO COME HOME!!!
We love having Grace come home....it is one of the great joys in our day.
