single digits no more!

Today found her swinging into double digits...

...my baby girl turned 10!

This one lives life big.  She wears her heart and her emotions on her sleeve.  While that does inevitably lead to the occasional meltdown, it also gives us a girl who allows us to know exactly how she's feeling.  No guesses necessary.

She is pure.  She is real.  There is no modeling herself after someone else...she is herself.
Judy Garland could have been talking about Nat as a model when she said, "Always be a first-rate version of yourself and not a second-rate version of someone else."

And apparently, kids are drawn to authenticity.  This passionate girl has friends as sweet and loyal as they come!

too bad a still photo can't capture the squeals of excitement when these two saw each other unexpectedly at Nat's birthday restaurant of choice! 

Speaking of close bonds, I present my "N twins."  While they often bicker, they are closer than your average sibling set.  Most mornings before school I can hear them whispering upstairs and rare is the weekend that they don't ask for a sleepover which consists of one sleeping on the floor beside the other's bed.  She inspires loyalty...

Nicholas had to give his twin a gift and nothing says "You're my best friend like a stuffed puppy and a whoopee cushion!

Nat is in a fun stage right now with her interests, with one foot firmly in the tween years...thanks to her older sisters...and the other still in little girl mode thanks to the friends she loves to play creatively with.

Her requested gifts this year included rainbow loom bands, a "husband pillow," and her blue hair tips.

She's growing up right before our eyes, but one thing has stayed the same for the last several years is her choice of cake. Pioneer Woman's buttermilk chocolate cake with Nutella ganache and CocoWhip frosting!

My dearest Natalie,

You live life out loud and I admire so much about you.  From your passion for justice, to your sincere concern for others to your ability to light up a room with your smile, you are a social butterfly.  I am so thankful that you are my girl!!!

All my love,
Mommy

"Live life as though nobody is watching, and express yourself as though everyone is listening."

– Nelson Mandela