Happy 14th, Maile!

 Happy 14th birthday, Maile!

guest blogger:  Mom

Coming out of Covid (slightly), it was so exciting to get to celebrate Maile's birthday in-person with some of her friends.  Maile had no idea that her dear friend and birthday twin, Kirsten, who lives out of state, was able to come as a surprise.  It was great to have the day for both of them!

Maile chose a farm party, which was one of our favorite pandemic-friendly activities that we did as a family in 2020. They got to feed goats, alpacas, bunnies, and ostriches.  The weather was beautiful, and she was extra excited to have croissant donuts as her birthday treat!

Maile,

At the age of 14, you have truly become a teenager! You have grown out of all of your pants and shoes, and you love to stay up late, eat plenty of snacks, sleep in late, and then wake up in time for lunch.  Life seems to begin for you around 9pm. :) 

You are full of life, completely committed to dance and your friends.  We are so amazed at how much time and effort you put into dance, especially throughout the pandemic.  During the past year, you completed your 8th grade year, with a flawless report card, and accolades from your teachers.  You completed another story with Jules, which was featured as a mystery author piece in each issue of your school newsletter.  You continued to serve on Student Council and worked with your peers to support new students.  You went to your first dance convention, earning a scholarship award, got en pointe in ballet, held multiple Zoom get-togethers, started photography, launched a face mask lanyard business, went on countless hikes, spent hundreds of hours dancing, and took multiple long road trips to and from the condo.

You've become a social justice champion, helping remind me of microaggressions and unconscious biases.  You care deeply about others and still love to be surrounded by people (which made the pandemic especially hard).

You still love pho and sushi, and you have really acquired a taste for bubble tea and Ruby Jewel ice cream sandwiches.

We love you so much and are so proud to have you as our daughter!

Mom and Dad