Natalie is already a quarter-year past her 12th birthday, but I didn’t want to miss bragging on her a bit, and jotting down some things about her at this age.
So far, age twelve is pretty darn awesome. It seems like Natalie becomes more confident and sure of herself every day. I can only hope she carries some of that with her into the teenage years. She continues to be a voracious reader, and is blossoming into quite the writer, too. She is independent and responsible, but still loves to play and be silly. She is a caring and devoted big sister, which makes this mama so thankful.
I am so proud of the young woman she is becoming. (She is so proud that she can wear my shoes and is gaining on me in height, too!)
Her family celebration included Butterbeer and Cauldron Cakes, Harry Potter-style. The Butterbeer was cream soda with butterscotch and vanilla Torani syrup. We topped it with butterscotch flavored whipped cream, too. The Cauldron Cakes were inspired by this post, and were actually pretty easy to make.
She also had a day-long birthday outing, just like her sister did. We had a fun-filled day of miniature golfing, shopping at the bookstore, eating gelato, buying fun accessories at Charming Charlie, and dinner out. The car was decked out with birthday decorations, with candy leis and mini-crown headbands to wear. Such a fun day!
I thought it would be fun to have Natalie make a list of what she’s into right now - a top 12 at age 12. Here’s what she came up with, in no particular order:
Natalie’s Top 12 at 12
1. Clothes – shopping and putting together outfits
2. Alice in Wonderland – She recently read both Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass. Now, she’s writing her own Wonderland-inspired story.
3. Fantasy adventure books – Favorites right now are Harry Potter, The School for Good and Evil, The Land of Stories, and The Heroes of Olympus.
4. Taylor Swift
5. Lemonade and lemon gelato, and basically anything lemon flavored
6. Creative writing home school class and books – Rip the Page!, Leap Write In!, and Seize the Story (at least one of these books is always on her night stand – highly, highly recommended!)
7. 20 Ways to Draw… books – These books really deserve a post of their own. Both of my girls love them for drawing inspiration! We have the fashion, food, and animal ones so far, but they are coveting the whole collection.
8. Pocket Magic Tricks (made by Toysmith, found at our local toy store)
9. Video Games – Kinect Disneyland Adventures and Disney Infinity
10. Board Games – Forbidden Island, Trivial Pursuit (Family Edition from Target), and Small World
11. Make-up – especially the Lip & Cheek Tint from 100% pure
12. Her family!
Natalie reminds me {frequently} that her teenage years are just around the corner. And I keep reminding her to savor her time as a 12-year-old! Natalie, you are a beautiful girl inside and out. We love you like crazy!
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