Happy 12th Birthday Abi

It is hard to believe that this little chubby cheeked cutie has grown up to be our lovely young lady.  Twelve years has flown by too quickly.  The chubby cheeks are gone but the sweetness remains.

It is hard to know what to buy for a young lady but you can't go wrong with clothes.  I had a fun time picking out a new outfit for Abi to wear to Young Women's for her first Sunday.  Her birthday was on a Saturday so she didn't have to wait too long.  For her birthday breakfast she chose Chunky Monkey pancakes, Yum!

She also was so excited to attend the temple and perform baptisms for the dead for the first time.  Luckily her dad is in the Bishopric and could interview her Saturday morning, right before we left.  What a great opportunity to go and watch her be baptized and confirmed by her father as a proxy for those that have gone before.

Abi's birthday was also her Spring Recital with her ballet school.  The theme was "The Secret Garden" and Abi danced gracefully as a lilac.  We love watching her dance, she is improving so much.  She graduates to pointe next week and it so excited to go buy her new shoes.

Abi wanted a banana cake for her birthday.  She gave me creative direction in decorating so I just continued on with the ballet theme.  We enjoyed a lovely party with our family on Sunday afternoon.

The chubby cheeks may be gone, but Abi will always be our sweet little Bunkins.

10 Things about Abi

1.  She has a sweet, kind, loving, empathetic personality.  (Well most of the time, she is approaching teenage years.)  She is usually quick to help me out with cooking or babysitting.   She is a good friend and always thinking of nice things to do for them.  

2.  She is such a graceful dancer.  I know I've said it before, but I just love to watch her dance.  She moves so lightly and with such poise and spirit.  Even when she stands normally it is with toes turned out.  Abi is super excited to get new pointe shoes and begin pointe training this month.

3. Abi continues to love reading and academics in general.  Currently she is a big fan on fantasy but also enjoys historical fiction.  Some of her recent favorites include: When you Reach Me, Fly Girl, Reckless and Ender's Game.
4.  Abi's piano playing is hitting a new level.  She swears that she hates it and that it is stupid, but when she calms down and puts her mind to it, she plays beautifully.  She has started to play the simplified Hymns and has played for us in FHE.   For festival this year she played ______ and scored a _____.
5.  She loves to play with her sisters and creates little games and projects for them. Eva begs Abi to "ride scooters" with her.  Leah loves playing games with Abi on her Kindle.  Abi amd Tal have a rougher relationship, but every once in a while she surprises us by doing nice things for him.
6.  She started playing cello this year in 6th grade orchestra, an after school program.  She advanced really quickly and is looking forward to 7th grade.
7.  Abi has discovered Pinterest.  She loves trying out new braids, twists, buns and other hairstyles that she finds.  She continues to enjoy crafts such as making soap, scrubs, paper bowls and other projects.
8.  Abi likes knitting baby hats while she watches TV shows.  She donates these to a Humanitarian Center run by our church to be distributed locally.  She just turned in 21 finished, adorable hats.  She wanted to try something new so she checked out some baby burp cloths to crochet around and I have been teaching her to crochet.
9.  Abi continues to enjoy shooting guns with her dad and is a great shot.  At girl's camp she outshot all of the other girls almost nailing the bulls-eye.  She also bought a bow and is trying out archery.
10.  Abi has a very strong testimony and a strong spirit.  I was a proud mama when she wanted to go to the temple on her birthday.  She has a very sensitive spirit and turns away from popular songs and books with questionable words of her own choice.She worked hard and earned her Faith in God award in Primary.  She is excited to start YW and go to Mutual.  We love our Abi and are excited to see what this next stage in her life brings.