Kaitlyn's 11th Birthday

Another trip around the sun completed for our Goose! Speaking of, I was asked the other day why we call her Goose and it was a sweet memory to recall. It’s a simple thing really. There is a board book series called Duck & Goose. One book in particular, Goose Needs a Hug, was a particular favorite of Kaitlyn’s when she was a toddler. At the end of the book, the characters all chime in with a big “what Goose?” and it ends with a big hug. It’s one of those books she’d ask to read anytime we sat down, and from that the “what Goose” saying stuck and resulted in a cute little nickname that has withstood the test of time.

So, my goosey girl, you are 11! And though you are slightly disappointed that your acceptance letter to Hogwarts seems to be delayed, we had such a fun time celebrating you and all that you are!

Kaitlyn’s request for her birthday was for it to be just family and for us to plan whatever we thought she’d like. This came as a result of her getting too bogged down with ideas for what to do that ultimately she was overwhelmed and handed over the reigns. I had heard enough ideas at that point though to have an idea of what she’d find celebratory. We kicked things off with her big birthday present, a new desk chair, on display loud and proud, which resulted in a happy shriek upon walking into the kitchen in the morning. Immediate success!

From there, we got dressed and ready to leave the house. I had written two breakfast options on two different pieces of paper and held one in each hand. She picked a hand, I revealed the place, and off we went! This choose-your-own-adventure theme continued throughout the day and she loved the twist of being somewhat in control of what came next.

We ate a delicious breakfast at Upcountry Provisions, got our nails done, went shopping (with success!) at Kohls, then went and got a pick-me-up treat of Boba.

Did she wear that tiara all day? You betcha!

We all thoroughly enjoyed the time, and it made my mom heart happy to hear her squeal and giggle with each new adventure she chose from the two options. I saved what I knew she’d love most for last- an arcade! With Frankie’s written on one paper and Dave & Busters written on the other, she chose Dave & Busters and off we went. David joined us at this point and we both enjoyed watching Kaitlyn lose her mind with excitement for a couple hours of game play, whichever ones she wanted.

Honestly, though, it was great fun for all of us. We took turns shooting King Kong in virtual reality, playing each other in teams for basketball connect four, I taught them my special method for the game that you shoot a coin onto a platform that slides in and out to try and push other coins and tickets cards off the edge. And finally it resulted in a silly amount of money spent on games translated into a small tiger stuffed animal, a Nerf gun, and a yoyo in ticket redemption. But also, a lot of family laughs. Worth it.

The Boba had worn off by now so we went to find a quick Mexican dinner out, where of course we told them it was her birthday so she could be sung to in a sombrero. After devouring tableside guacamole, cheese dip, multiple bowls of salsa, and fajitas, we took off for her last softball game of the season.

She usually has been playing third base, but was switched to first for this game. It was another tough loss (our theme for the season – ha) but she made a great play at that position that ended up earning her the game ball!

Back home, we sang happy birthday and she blew out the candles on her requested dessert- dirt pie with gummy worms. She opened presents and delighted at birthday wants come to fruition- a leather satchel for outdoor adventuring, glass bottles for potions, a mortar and pestle, and some bath bombs.

It was a wonderful day and I’m so glad she felt loved and celebrated; it was fun to see her exude joy and excitement all day long. Now a few words about Kaitlyn at 11 years old…

A full on tween, Kaitlyn seems to equally love playing with make up (which she isn’t allowed to wear out yet) and making potions. She’s an adventurous and outdoorsy girl who also loves nothing more than a pair of high heels. I will give her credit, she is bold and confident in her fashion choices and always ends up pulling it off. She has natural style and as someone who does not, it’s impressive to me!

She loves: horses, marinated chicken and noodles, sweet stuff, shopping for everything from clothes to crafts, audiobooks, Full House, snuggling, holding hands, singing, drama, frogs, basketball, softball, turtles, popcorn and movie nights, bold fashion choices, and adventures.

It’s been incredible to watch her growth over the past year. She’s really developed more skills in learning how to control her reactions to the big emotions she feels. She’s stepped up in helping out when needed with (as we call it) a happy heart. It’s evident she’s matured while still keeping her “spicy” personality intact. I’d still say she’s a mama’s girl and we both love cranking up the tunes and singing and acting our hearts out to the lyrics. It’s our shared dramatic side. She’ll still hold my hand when we’re out and want to snuggle on movie nights. She’s such a joy to parent and our family would be duller without her sparkling personality. Happy birthday, Kaitlyn; we love you more than you could ever understand!