Teenager Time!

Ayden turning into a teenager has made me feel really old. She definitely no longer seems like a kid and has already taken off into the world! And although she absolutely exhibits typical teen behavior at times, she is a mild case and mostly lovely to be around...when she is around. She is very responsible, never needing any reminders about school and on top of all her assignments. She continues to excel in piano and violin in her orchestra. She has fun with soccer and track. She loves her friends, and being social, and makes the boys laugh at school with her quick wit. She, thankfully, has an extremely level head and her emotions are equalizing. She doesn't bother her siblings every day and I'll get a hug once in awhile. She is totally embracing all that teenager-ism has to offer and I am trying to keep up! 

She asked for the turtle cheesecake for her birthday and Brynne came over to celebrate.

On the afternoon of her birthday, she got a great surprise visit from Zach's family singing Happy Birthday on the doorstep. They were flying out for a vacation the next day and we turned it into a great night celebrating together.

Ayden and Jace share a birthday so it was double the fun!

The kids always look forward to Easter and took a lot of time to decorate their eggs.

Easter morning arrived and although Ayden has only been an official teen for a few weeks, she did not want to get up early despite her siblings pleadings.

The traditional Italian Cream cake for Easter. One of my favorites so far.

We took advantage of a long weekend and hit up Breck with the Talbot's and Mom and Dad.

The kids zoomed down the mountain together. 

And Ayden made great improvements with Poppy's help.

Nothing better than hot tubbing in the snow!

It was a fun weekend and a great cabin.

The same weekend we were skiing, Ayden had her piano festival competition. (Patrick drove her up late for the weekend) She has practiced these 2 pieces for almost 4 months and had them memorized. She preformed in front of a judge behind closed doors so I recorded them at home.

Ayden was awarded highest honors for "Reverie" and was invited to play in the honors concert for the second year in a row.

We are so proud of her practice, perseverance, and performance.

She does incredibly well under pressure!