LAYLA TURNS 11 (4 MONTHS LATE, SORRY BABY)

HAPPY 11th BIRTHDAY!!!!!

OK so I'm roughly 3.5 months late in writing this but that's because things are BANANAS!! We are super busy with all things exciting...school, sports, acting. The list goes on. 

The past year has been a HUGE year of growth for you. From 5th grade to 6th grade, starting overnight camp, discovering things you love, things you don't. It's a joy and honor to stand by your side in these magical years from child to teen.

You made the decision yesterday to quit dance after 2 years of enjoying it. I'm unbelievably proud of you. Your schedule is really busy this fall (wheelchair basketball, flag football, acting, Hebrew School) and you ultimately decided dance was too much. It's really cool to know yourself enough to say... I need some downtime! 

You are on the brink of teenager. You love experimenting with makeup and hair color. You are figuring out what clothes you like wearing and what makes you happy.

You really enjoyed 5th grade. You particpated in clarinet and chorus. You did the science fair. So far, 6th grade has been AWESOME. They do so many great events for your class to celebrate it being your last year of elementary school (ahhhh!) - today is the first one. An after school social. Basically a party with all of your friends!! :) 

Here is a list of 11 things going on with you today....

1. You are the most beautiful. Your striking features. Big blue eyes. Fair skin painted with sprinkles. Long hair (that will be dyed pink tomorrow!). Long, lean and strong. 

2. 6th grade will be a great for you. You really love to read and enjoy science. Math is your least favorite but you're doing really well and seem to love your math teacher. 

3. Still the picky eater, Golden Slipper helped to force you to try new foods. We discuss food often but overall, you're a healthy eater and super active. 

4. Your favorite things include: movies (anything Marvel, lately), TV (Stranger Things is your newest obsession), Broadway, bike riding with friends, make up, fake nails, playing with cousins, late night chats with Benny, cuddles with Miles....you talk our ears off about your day and I love it so much. 

5. You are an amazing helper in the house. Willing to help with the dishes, laundry, cleaning (only with minor groans!) - and most helpful with Miles. You watch him, play with him, keep him safe, adore him. 

6. This year, you chose a party at the house... Harry Potter theme!! We had so much fun - ice cream truck, water slide, swimming. It was a perfect day.

7. This year, you gave your first attempt to overnight camp...when I say you THRIVED, I'm not exaggerating. You were never homesick, enjoyed every second and wished every day that you went back for the second half. While you loved Camp America, it's clear (like me!) that GSC is your summer home!

8. You love animals. You are so cute with Rigby and adore the pups, Liverpool and London. You're always asking for more animals. NO. ;)

9. You are so, so funny. So talented. So artistic. So creative. SO happy and sweet and special. One in a million. 

10. Layla Jules, we love you. You made us parents and you are the very best thing in our lives. 

Some questions I asked you...

Favorite Food: Bacon

Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Movie: Tangled
Favorite TV Show: Stranger Things
Favorite Song: Bury a Friend OR The 30th - Billie Eillish 

Favorite Singer - Billie Eillish 
Favorite Actor: Millie Bobbie Brown
Favorite School Subject: Writing

Favorite After School Activity: Acting
Favorite Sport: Flag Football
Favorite Vacation: Disney World
Best Friend: Avery, Paige & Izzy
When you grow up, you want to be: Singer / Songwriter or Kindergarten teacher
Favorite Thing About Yourself: "I'm funny!"
Favorite Thing About your Body: "My eyes"
Favorite Toy: Electric Scooter
Favorite Book: Land of Stories Series
Favorite Season: Spring
Favorite Holiday: Hanukkah

***A few pictures***