Clipboard of Fun: 12 Years Old

Happy 12th birthday to Erika!! Our beautiful, fun, considerate, smart, wacky, friendly little girl is growing up quickly. Erika is a few inches away from being taller than me, which is very bizarre. Not only is she matching me physically, but her emotional and mental reasoning is maturing as well. With her new experiences of this year....middle school, youth group, and new sports....we have had some fun and deep and interesting conversations. Her heart is extremely genuine and caring and she wants the best for everyone. She has a great group of girlfriends who support and encourage her and let her be who she is. She is having a great first year in middle school; her grades are excellent, she is meeting new friends, and her days seem to go by a lot quicker. Erika is very much a preteen with all the emotional highs and lows that go with that. It is very strange to hear my preteen self coming out of Erika's mouth...in some ways it helps me to know that it won't last forever but it is also humbling to know what I put my mom through! I am constantly amazed by Erika's confidence in herself. She participated in two new sports (water polo and track) this year without knowing anyone else who was on the team. She also auditioned and won a role in the George Fox winter musical. She loved being a part of the college scene for those few months she was able to. Erika loves crafts, being outside, fried chicken, dessert, sports, llamas, pineapples (to eat and decorate with), holding babies, our dogs, and Pinterest. She doesn't like pizza, doing things quickly, cleaning the bathrooms, movies where a dog dies, and friends getting hurt. Erika is a fun girl to be around....she is the first one to climb a tree, try new things, jump in the pool, or play a game. She loves her brother and sister incredibly and is a great example of a mature and Godly and loving young woman. We are so very very lucky to be raising this wonderful young lady. We love you so much Erika Boo!