Adelaide Jane: 10 Years Old

 Dearest Adelaide Jane,

I can hardly believe that I am writing you this letter and you're turning 10 years old. Double digits! It seems like only yesterday I was sitting down to recap your first six months of life. We have shared so many memories over this decade that I want to bottle them up and remember them forever. So many precious milestones and achievements. So many growing pains and learning experiences.

You are a fierce little girl who is not afraid to express how she is feeling. Yet you are gentle & kind to those whom you meet. You aren't really a stranger to many; always willing to include others and chat about their problems.

You are bright eyed and eager to learn. Not only in the classroom but life as well. You thrive in school and are always keen on being close with your teacher. You have a way of lighting up a room with your big smile and your happy heart. 

                                            

You are flourishing at gymnastics {despite fracturing your foot on the first night of fall practice} and the practice you put in amazes me. I hope that you always feel confident, compete with your all, & love the sport the way that you do now. Passion in life is key...don't ever forget that sweet girl!

You had big goals this year on how to treat your siblings & the type of big sister you want to be. You're part mini-mother and part fun-loving big sister to them. You often comment on how being the oldest is...I believe that is because you take your role very seriously. You want to be the best you can be and yet still enjoy being Big Sister. You wear it well~ even when you feel like you don't.

You continue to love swimming, drawing, reading, writing, riding bikes, and simply playing. Ten years in and your spirit is alive & booming! I was afraid that my strict discipline would break it at times, but we've learned a thing or two together as we have navigated mother-daughterhood for some time now. 

In so many ways, you are my best friend & I am yours. I can still find you in my bed fast asleep at times...after you've quietly snuck down while laundry is being folded. I don't really mind if I am being honest; the moments when you want to cuddle me in the middle of the night are probably dwindling so I hold on tight to them.

                                           

Keep being you, my Adelaide Jane. Keep believing in yourself & the magic of life.

I love you!

Love,

Mommy

40 Under 40: Day Trip to Bernheim Forest

On one of our last summer days, the kids & I took a day trip to Bernheim Forest. We set out to hike to see the Forest Giants and explored the grounds for several hours. We saw tiny turtles, beautiful flowers & lots of nature treasures. 

We stopped by the playground and gift shop before grabbing a snack for ourselves to yummy soft serve ice cream. The kids worked up a sweat and appetite hiking so the treat was well deserved. 

 

40 Before 40: Walk the Big Four Bridge & Have Ice Cream on the Indiana Side

My little people and I walked the Big Four Bridge on a breezy Monday morning. We trekked up and across to be rewarded with some ice cream. Pearl Street Treats on the Indiana side was the perfect spot to cool off and treat ourselves. 

 

40 Before 40: Take My Parents on a Date Night

 My parents celebrated 46 years of marriage on August 7th of this year. They’re such a testament to teamwork, loyalty & appreciation. So it was only fitting to take them on a date down by the river to celebrate. We dined at The Pine Room {a renovated return classic} with lots of stories to be told. Then we took a drive down River Road as well as memory lane. My mom & dad had their wedding reception at the Boat Club all those years ago so it was fun to drive the “memory lane” with them on our route home.