Wednesday, October 15

 Happy 16th Birthday Lucia!

Today was Lucia's Sweet Sixteen. She was just as excited about her birthday this year as she has been every year since she was aware of the idea of birthdays. She just loves her day. 

We did all the same things we always do, but I tried to do a little extra this year since it is a milestone birthday. I got a shimmery purple tinsel backdrop that we hung up behind the table, with a Happy Sweet 16 banner. I also put together a poster with pictures of Lucia from all of her previous birthdays (a very fun project) and propped it up on an easel. And, of course, the usual giant number balloons, sign board, and flowers. She'd requested one gift for the morning: a pair of Chickenlegs running shorts and a bag of her favorite candy. I made a Dutch baby for the kids, and then the girls and I went to Starbucks before school so Lucia could get a free birthday drink. 

Lucia's day at school was a little rocky--she had a precalc test that she was certain she didn't do well on; she submitted the test in tears. (There are opportunities for test corrections, extra tutoring, and even a retake; she will be fine.) I reassured her via text that all would be well. Poor kid. She is working so hard this year and really wants to do well.

She had a short XC practice after school. Mom and Dad had arrived by the time she came home, and we had our family celebration. We all played two rounds of Anomia and then had TikTok pasta (baked feta and tomato; it was a huge TikTok thing a couple of years ago) for dinner (Luica's favorite meal), and then she got to open her gifts. Highlights this year were lots of jewelry, a Sad Rat Jellycat, X-Files Funko Pops, and a Canon Ivy photo printer with lots of paper. Andrew made a carrot cake (also her request), and I put a Unicorno on top.

All in all, a pretty great 16th birthday. She'll have a party with her friends this weekend.

Driving isn't imminent, but it's on the near horizon. She's sporadically studying for the permit test. A whole new world awaits.