Aubree turned 10 two months ago. Maybe I've been slow in getting this post up because denial is my friend. Double digits? Already?
Although 10 is a "friend birthday party" year at our house, Aubree opted instead to just take two of her friends out to dinner.
She chose to go to Old Country Buffet. She just can't get enough of their butter rolls. Those three girls did some serious eating. Then they rolled home, watched a movie, and enjoyed their time together. Aubree says it was exactly how she wanted her birthday to go.
A little more about Aubree at ten...
She is loving having a baby sister, aka "the sister I've always wanted!" When Aubree comes home from school, she makes a beeline to Nellie. "How's your day been, cutest-baby-in-the-whole world?"
Nellie's not overly fond of being held by most people, but she likes Aubree. Aubree loves to show Nell off to her friends and teachers.
Speaking of teachers, Aubree has a new teacher this year. She misses her old teacher, but she is excelling in the classroom. Being a fifth grader has somehow engendered an increased sense of responsibility and maturity. We don't have to remind her to follow through with homework or projects and she always remembers to ask to get her daily planner signed. Her hard work has paid off - she got straight A's on her report card (this is the first year they used letter grades)!
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| Leprechaun trap she made last March for school |
Backing up a bit... last May Aubree participated in the elementary speech and debate tournament. This time around she entered in two different categories: storybook reading, and solo-duo-trio (with two of her friends). Her love of books payed off in a big way in the storybook reading competition, and she earned second place!
Even though her trio didn't earn a medal, I was super impressed with her willingness to try something new and push herself out of her comfort zone.
Aubree possesses a love and a talent for music. She's been playing her violin now for over three years. She still doesn't like to practice, but she adores performing and seeks out every possible performance opportunity - at church, at school, or for friends and family. It astounds me how well she's able to play by ear; in addition to her assigned lesson music, and the hymns she learns from the hymnbooks, Aubree loves to figure out other favorite music by experimentation.
In August we bought a keyboard in preparation for Bryce to begin taking piano lessons. As soon as Bryce's piano books arrived, Aubree sat down and within 2 days had worked her way through the primer level! I bought her level 1, and she continues to work through those books. She prefers, however, to try and figure it out on her own.
In addition to her instruments, Aubree loves to sing. In the Spring, her choir group had a talent night. Each choir student had the chance to choose a piece of music to perform alone or with a small group. I wasn't able to attend the performance, but Mark came home with tales of a pretty painful evening. A large part of the problem was that many students chose somewhat inappropriate songs (whether for content or ability). I know I'm biased, but Aubree and her friends Bethelle and Kaitlyn sounded pretty good (and the choice of song was all their own)! Here's a short clip (Blogger wouldn't let me insert the whole song):
Aubree has long wanted to play the flute, and this year signed up for early morning band. Her enthusiasm for the instrument waned after the first month, though. So now she's back to just the violin and piano (and you won't hear me complaining about no longer having to get her to school by 7:45 am twice a week).
Aubree is a joy in our lives. She is creative and bright and helpful. It's a pleasure to watch her grow up, even if I sometimes wish I could keep her small.
An Interview with Aubree:
Favorite Color?: Blue
Favorite Candy?: Man that's hard! Skittles.
What do you want to be when you grow up?: An author and a mom.
If you went on a mission, where would you want to go?: France or Italy.
Favorite Primary Song?: Gethsemane
Favorite Animal?: Penguin
Favorite Movie?: Princess Bride
Favorite Thing to Do?: Read, write, and play with friends
Favorite Food: I've got too many favorite foods! Soups. No, Breads!
Best Friends?: Bethany, Bethelle, Kaitlyn, and Gina
Favorite Book?: Oh dear! The Two Princesses of Bamarre & the Dragon Keeper series.
Favorite Toy?: Instruments
What makes you happy?: Candy!
Favorite thing to do with Mom?: Cuddle with her & Nellie
Favorite thing to do with Dad?: Daddy/Daughter dates of course!
What makes you laugh? When someone says or does something funny.
What’s the best time of day? Recess and free time after school.
What are you afraid of? Spiders. They're just tiny little things, but they creep me out!
What do you like to do with your family? Eat dinner. No... go to ward parties.
What do you love to learn about? How to improve my writing.
Where do you like to go? Fun places like an ice-skating rink.
If you had one wish, what would it be? To have never-ending money so I can get whatever I want.
What would you buy if you had $1,000? Candy, writing stuff, books, family presents for Christmas, stuff like that.
What is your favorite song? White Flag, by Dido, and I really like patriotic songs.
What do you hope you can do before your next birthday? See Bethelle in person again.
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