Peanut is 10 today… We’ve hit double digits, and we’re pretty excited about it. Well, she is. Hitting 10 is a big deal apparently.

Peanut, You’ve been very impressive at the gains and growth in the last year. You’ve started and ended 4th grade. You slayed the 4th grade academically, made some new great friends, and grown up a little more. Your sense of humor has been fun to watch grow, although I’ve got to get quicker because apparently sarcasm rubs off…

I’m proud of <the majority of> your interactions with your sisters. While we all have our moments with each other, there are moments that stand out. Walking off the fields, your sister will grab your hand, and you’ll accept her hand without questioning. While you may not always appreciate the “big sister” designation, you are learning to live with it. 90% of the time, you’re a great, if reluctant, role model. When you sat through your sisters’ recital dress rehearsal, you made sure to tell each one they did well. You’ll take the time to come to their games occasionally, and cheer them on, play with them, and then read to them. You are helping to honor them, and we’re really proud of that.

In the last year, you have learned more about the world around you, and have been learning more about the world in which we live. You followed the election and asked really good questions. We had real conversations about news and slants. We had conversations about racial divides in the U.S., and how other countries are working. I’m proud of the knowledge you tried to absorb, and your analysis of the big things we have going on in this country.

This year, you also tackled tough challenges for you. You got put on a high level softball team this fall, and you did your level best to keep up. You had to give a 5 minute speech in front of classmates, and you rocked it. You had your first large project, with lots of due dates and real work, and you did so very well. You tried a new Crossfit gym.

You have shown such great levels of responsibility and maturity. Your work ethic is starting to show, and it’s one I’m proud of for you. I never hear your coaches tell you to hustle. You have worked hard on your school work, and rocked your AR goals. After two hard years of saving, you bought yourself an iPad, and you’ve been saving again. When the opportunity arose to work on the local Shakopee park that was accessible for all, you worked really hard on it. You built the slide, and worked on more. You worked as hard as the adults, and the pride you took in that was awesome. At the time you signed up to help, you thought you were helping a park that would not benefit you personally. You thought you were just helping others that needed help, and I’m so proud of you for that.

This year, your goals (as stated by you): a) get bat on ball, b) move downstairs, c) read a 500 page book in 7 days d) have fun. I’m not sure about the move downstairs, but I like the rest. Dad and I will help you with all of those as you want. It’s a good thing you like libraries, though, as I can’t afford your book habit!

Your dad and I love you, and are so very proud of the kiddo you are. We are so very grateful for you and the strengths you bring to this family. Keep learning and growing and loving and helping. Your heart is strong, and your mind is too. Believe in yourself as much as your dad and I believe in you.