There’s something special about childhood friendships. Watching my daughter and her best friend blossom over the years from kindergarten to fourth grade is no exception. Yesterday, my daughter was super excited to celebrate her best friend’s 10th birthday.
I’m so glad Quinn was included in her friend’s intimate painting party, especially since they will be in different classes this year. Watching them paint together with the other children in attendance, chat and giggle definitely painted a smile on my face. What a wonderful way to close out summer break.
Today, my daughter and I were excited to stop in St. Maarten on our very first cruise and did an excursion based off of the show “Amazing Race.” We connected with others and formed a group of ten. There weren’t many children participating in this event, so I was glad that another child just one year younger than Quinn was on our team whose name just happened to be Quinnlin.
However, what initially started as a fun activity quickly turned into a stressful, less enjoyable time for Quinn and her new cruise friend, Quinnlin. While I most certainly can be competitive, when it involves working with a team, especially when team members have specific roles, I try my best to make everyone feel like they are contributing while having fun in the process. We had a team captain, a team navigator, and I was the team “clue master,” which involved me reading clues to the team to solve riddles and successfully complete the race.
Everyone was excited and ready for fun. We had a team member, who quickly sprung into action, which may seem great, but she also quickly left team members behind, including her own child. She would then grow frustrated if others gave input on solving certain clues if it was contrary to what she thought. Quinn even told me that she thought I was competitive, but this woman had me beat!
I told her that part of being in a competition with a team is working as a team and not making people feel left out and that part of the excursion is to have fun. Luckily the other members did work well together. ☺️
While we did win the race beating out ten other teams, I wish the experience was better for Quinn. But she shared with me the lesson she learned about the importance of working together and listening to others.
Plus, after the race we were able to spend a couple of well-earned hours at the beach just relaxing.
One of the moments both my ten year old and I were looking forward to on our very first cruise was our formal dinner.
I’m either wearing workout clothes or business attire for work, and Quinn mainly wears casual and fun “tween” clothes, so this was a wonderful opportunity for us to both step out in high fashion!
Alas, the day’s arrived! My ten year old and I are going on our very first cruise! We’ve boarded the ship and are excited for our destinations on Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas!
Quinn was so excited to attend her first Phillies game, tickets courtesy of my friend & trainer, Joe and his family! Thanks so much! ☺️What a wonderful way to not only have fun with family and friends but to celebrate the Spartan Race triumph together. Citizens Bank Park is where it all started with my first Spartan Race. 🤗🙌🏽⚾️
As we age, our firsts become few and far between. This certainly is the case in watching my ten year old daughter grow up. Today, Quinn not only experienced her first time playing miniature golf but her first time getting a hole in one.
I’m so glad that I caught her in action because the look of excitement on her face was reminiscent of how excited I was when she walked or talked for the first time.
With the 18 holes, I was barely on par and did get a little frustrated with myself and the ball at times, but none of that mattered because I witnessed the joy Quinn felt and had a great time with my family.
Straight A’s 🤗 academic achievement award, Myers Student News Network, Girls Who Code, Cheer Club and Violin recognition on top of having a wonderful experience with some amazing teachers and friends! I’m so proud of Quinn and blessed to be her mom. Let’s get this fun-filled summer break started! definitely earned it! 🎉👩🏽🎓
It’s hard to believe that my daughter is ten, let alone that she formed a friendship as a baby and had the opportunity to celebrate her friend’s tenth birthday party today.
Ten Years of Friendship
Of course, Quinn’s bond with Arya was formed as a result of the friendship I formed a few years prior, but I’m so glad they (along with Arya’s younger sisters) all enjoy each other.
Though we live in different towns, watching the both of them grow up into beautiful, bright young ladies makes me so proud. Before we know it, they’ll officially be teens. 😅
I just love when I stumble across a local, family friendly event, and this weekend it was the Strawberry Festival. There were some cool pop-up shops with strawberry themes, a lot of samples to try out, live music and a photo opportunity.
I’m glad Quinn wanted to go and that Zack, our toy poodle had a great time at this pet friendly event. Looking forward to checking it out again next year!
As I celebrate my eleventh “mommyversary,” one would think that my strides are longer, but I actually find myself taking smaller steps as my “baby” becomes a pre-adolescent.
We’re both entering uncharted territory, and I want to make sure that I’m being a supportive mother who treads lightly as she explores the world no longer needing to hold my hand but knowing that I’m not too far behind to offer support and love.
I’m thankful for being her mom and celebrating Mother’s Day with her, my mom and husband (her dad).
Happy Mother’s Day to all of the moms, mothers to be, aunties, mother-like-figures, etc.
