I guess we're at that phase where not everyone is home (or awake) for the family activity. This year only Maeve and Holly carved pumpkins. Maeve drew out her design on a piece of paper and then I did my best to replicate it on the pumpkin. Maeve and I also did a couple of crafts. I love the expressions she drew on her pumpkin. I told her I wanted to do some crafts with her one afternoon and her response was, "I already did a craft at preschool." I did so many crafts with Holly and Greta. What they say is true, every child is born into a different family. I'm glad I carved out some time to do a couple little crafts.

Here we go! Off to school! Holly is in 7th grade. She takes the bus to school and she gets up early all on her own to get ready to leave! She's a super responsible kiddo.

And we have Greta in 5th grade and K in 1st grade. I love picking them up from school and getting the download. There's often bus buddies drama which in its own little way is funny. Greta loves school. And she wishes she was homeschooled still.

Here is Holly in her 12th birthday dress! Holly is very interested in all things space (thanks Lunar Chronicles!) and so this fabric is a home run! I used the Olive Dress pattern and it all came together nicely. I still need to trim threads and pull out the gathering stitches, but alas, I'm one busy momma! No matter, Holly's thrilled! The 12th birthday was my arbitrary end date to this tradition... but I think it's likely it may not end. And I guess if Holly wants me to make her dresses, I will make her dresses!

It's funny how my parenting style has changed... back when Holly and Greta were little, I was committed to a birthday party schedule of every other year with friends. I'm not sure when I threw that one out the window... but that idea has been dissolved and now my approach is embracing the parties! But also making them easy on myself. Fun memories with friends are especially important following a covid year. I suggested to Holly that we do tie dye for her birthday... she loved that idea and we ran with it! It was pretty easy. I asked her friends to bring a t-shirt to dye instead of a gift and I provided bandanas and scrunchies. This age group is pretty independent. I had told Holly ahead of time that I would do tie dye and cake and then step back and let her decide what she wants to do with her friends. They played hide and seek and other variations and had fun! And I caught my breath :)

Holly wanted Texas Sheet Cake. I had to laugh to myself, I didn't even know Texas Sheet Cake existed until I had lived in the states for a little while. Just raising my little Americans south of Canada.

My darling girl, my oldest child is 12 years old! How the years have flown. Holly is a kind and nurturing young girl. She's responsible and dependable. Holly loves to listen to an audio book while crafting - she could do that all the time! Holly loves the water and she's a strong swimmer. This past year, Holly has done a lot of new things like virtual school, Nordic skiing and mountain biking! I really like the person she is and I'm grateful I've been able to watch her grow into a really wonderful 12 year old!

For Holly's birthday, we were on our vacation in Loon Lake. Holly's a pretty easy kiddo to please. She chose all the meals and I made an ice cream cake. I really, really enjoyed celebrating her this year.