Elsa is TWELVE!

Elsa has begun her final tween year before becoming a full-fledged teenager, and her tween game is strong. I blame middle school. Just when we think we have something figured out, it changes, which is pretty indicative of this stage of life.

Really, though, the transition to middle school has gone as well as expected. Lots of big changes to be sure, but Elsa has weathered them all. Fortunately, there are plenty of familiar faces at school plus plenty of new friends. Social interactions can be challenging, but Elsa has managed to maintain her relationships as she navigates this whole new world. 

She has also maintained her stellar performance in the classroom, despite increased responsibilities and workload. The time management piece may need a little more work, but we'll get there...eventually (which is kind of our unofficial theme for getting out of the house!). Elsa continues to pursue ballet--her higher level this year involved an additional performance which was exciting--and basketball. I was fortunate enough to be one of the coaches this year, and I was so proud to have a front row seat to watch the scrappiest player on the court.

Elsa has transitioned from the recorder in the elementary school ensemble to the flute in the middle school band, which she plans to continue into 7th grade. Another new activity for Elsa this year has been soccer. Recruited after basketball season, Elsa joined a team that contained several friends and teammates. We're proud of her for trying something new, and I think she had a lot of fun in the process.

In fact, her birthday celebration this year revolved around the soccer schedule. All three kids played soccer this spring, which was great...except when conflicting game times caused some logistical acrobats. Elsa's birthday was a prime example. We were able to do all the traditional morning birthday things, like a special breakfast, family gifts, and a call from Grandma. But then it was game time. 

We all went to Erik's game for a bit before the girls and I went to a different field for Elsa's game. I dropped them off and headed back to the first field to pick up the boys after Erik's game ended. We dashed back to see Elsa's game--which had already started--but at least we had a break before Lena's game, which was thankfully at the same field.

#4 on the field but #1 in our hearts

Due to all of these moving pieces, we decided to have Elsa's "party" at the soccer field. We brought treats for after the game, and a couple of Elsa's non-soccer playing friends met us there to cheer the birthday girl on. One of these friends then accompanied us to lunch after Lena's game for, you guessed it, duck at our favorite Chinese restaurant.

Once everyone got cleaned up, it was time for the customary sheep photoshoot and presents. Elsa's latest book obsession is the Lunar Chronicles series by Marissa Meyer and so was thrilled that several gifts reflected that. Since we'd had a big mid-day meal, dinner consisted of popcorn during the birthday girl's movie of choice--The Parent Trap--followed by cake and ice cream. 

The Birthday Queen with her sheep

A different sort of day, but since one of the biggest things we've learned this year has been adapting to change, it was just the right way to celebrate birthday #12.