Seattle Silly Bunch: Eight is Great!

Our biggest girl just turned 8, and it is always a reality check to realize that is when all the chaos and adventure began as parents, back when this little one was born. Life was very different before we had kids, in fact, I can hardly remember it. Eight has done wonders to all of our lives now though. She has blossomed into a lovely girl with this self-confidence that came out of nowhere. She was always a little timid and things had a tendency to be upsetting when they were different or new. Now she is jumping in with both feet and has a new "in command of myself" attitude that both frightens me for the types of things she will want to try, and makes me swell with pride that she is becoming a fearless force to be reckoned with - what I've always wanted for her. Another amazing thing about her is she is the most tender hearted friend, sister and daughter - always empathetic, caring and helpful. Her teacher noted this trait specifically during teacher conferences.

Once a girl who had to have perfect conditions to sleep, now is a girl who wanted to have a sleepover party with her friends for her birthday! We did crafts, had hamburgers on the grill, xbox danced, and had a dress-up parade. The girls all slept in sleeping bags in the playroom and there were no incidents, all the 8 year old girls are so brave and reasonable, I was so pleasantly surprised! Dad's big pancake breakfast in the morning finished off the party with full bellies just in time for a nap.

We have come a long way, baby. So far 8 is my favorite age, I can't wait to see the rest, but I'll be relishing this year because it, like the others, will be gone before I know it.