Cadence is 12 Years Old!

I'm in disbelief writing this as I'm trying to figure out how our first born is 12 years old!  Cadence also had 2 well-deserved birthday celebrations this year.  We planned to celebrate her birthday with friends during the weekend of her birthday, but softball kind of got in the way and some of her friends couldn't be there because of vacations and what not.

Cadence had a one-day tournament in Dublin (Mannino's season opener) on her birthday, so we were up pretty early for that. I think we had a quick breakfast - which she was fine with, since she was so excited to receive her first phone as her birthday gift!  She had been asking for a phone for a while.  She had had her Apple Watch for over a year, so she was able to text and make phone calls.  You'd be amazed at how quickly she could scribe a text on her watch.  We knew it would be easier for her to communicate with a phone, so we did some research, she signed a contract with us, and she got her phone.  She's done a great job with it and mainly uses it to talk to her close group of friends and her softball team. She enjoys watching YouTube videos on hair, makeup, and nails.  

Cadence's team ended up 1st place in the silver bracket and she also caught a fly ball in center-field - on her BIRTHDAY.  How awesome!  I was so proud of her for catching that ball I almost cried!

I think Cadence picked KFC for her birthday dinner - like mother, like daughter!

About a month later, Cadence was able to celebrate her birthday with a few of her closest friends, Jaedyn, Claire, and Marin.  There were still a couple of girls that couldn't make it, but they had so much fun.  After the rain stopped, the girls swam for a while.  

The girls enjoyed dinner and then we sang Happy Birthday to Cadence.  They spent the evening singing to songs and making goofy videos.  Cadence said they fell asleep and then woke back up around 4:30am - I don't know if I buy it.  I'm wondering if they stayed up all night!  Cadence was happy that Colin was spending the weekend with his buddy camping, so he was out of her hair.  The girls had a really good time together.  After they all left, Cadence was already wanting to plan another sleepover.

Cadence is still such a fun kid.  She's goofy and sweet.  She's sensitive, yet tough on her brother.  She's still super picky when it comes to food and binge watches shows on Netflix.  Shopping with her is not an easy task, but she knows what she likes.  She's got a memory like a steel trap and is super creative.  I'm always impressed with how she can just whip up a bracelet or a pillow or some other kind of trinket.  Recently, she taught herself how to French braid her OWN hair by watching YouTube videos.  I was amazed, because I know it's not something I've been able to master.  We're super lucky she's ours and I have loved watching her grow up.  Here's to TWELVE!