Cadence is a TEEN!

Our oldest is a TEENAGER - how is that even possible?!  The other day, after I said goodnight to her, I told Danny, "she's such a good kid."  She had everything all packed up for a weekend trip we were about to take.  I don't know - something about that moment just made me stop and think about how lucky we are to have her as our daughter.  She's pretty stinkin' responsible when it comes to her schoolwork, getting ready for practices, making sure she stays first chair clarinet, the list goes on.  She runs cross country at school and plans to try out for the 8th grade softball team.  She has given up piano, but still strives to be the best in clarinet with the 8th grade band.  She's not content with receiving anything less than an A on her school assignments and tests.  It's so funny because when it comes to cross country or softball, she looks at is as more of something to do with friends and a way to get some exercise; but with clarinet, the moment she gets challenged, you better believe she's practicing her clarinet that night.  Even though she gets annoyed by her little brother a lot, I know she still loves him and she thinks he's hilarious.  I think she's gotten better at managing her stress levels and her anxiety, but I see some of her tics are still there.  She always wants to know what we have planned for the weekend and is always down to have a good time.  She still has her 2 core besties, but her friend group is expanding, mainly with girls from cross country.  She's got a hard exterior, but is such a caring kid.  She still amazes us with her creativity and can whip up impressive YouTube shorts.  She's an awesome kid and I know she's going places!

She wanted to have a pool party/sleepover with her 2 besties, Macie & Lilly, for her birthday.  The girls were even kind enough to let lil' bro in on the fun.

Mac & cheese & chicken tenders for dinner!

We decided on a chocolate cake...

...that the girls would decorate with chocolate goodies

They did a great job and it tasted awesome!

The next morning we headed to Bareclay so the girls could create their own pottery.  There was a learning curve, for sure, but Cadence handled it like a boss.  I think she had the most fun.  Her friends got pretty frustrated at times and she was able to help them out!

The morning of her ACTUAL birthday 😊

Colin helped me sneak and create her chalk art while she showered the night before her birthday.  He did a great job!

Mom was with the kids during the day of Cadence's birthday - she sent me this pic of the kids playing chess!  I love that they both enjoy the game - I sure don't!

That night, we had KFC for dinner!