Surprise!

I want to blog about this so it makes it into our family blog-book.

Nicole turned 12 on Saturday!  Let me tell you, life is getting fun for us 'round here.  We woke up, had waffles, eggs and oj for breakfast and then began to make the trifle and get ready for the rest of our busy day.  In the middle of everything, we decided to repaint the front room and dining room of our home (hoping it will help in the sale of the house).  After a quick photo shoot, we had the family over and we celebrated the wonderful day of December the 1st.  Nicole had 3 friends over and I recognized the change that is happening in our lives and homes when at about 10 pm (we are still painting) Nicole's friend Amanda came up behind and me and said, "Sister Currrryyyyyy???"  I knew immediately Nicole had sicked her friend on me.  They wanted me to take them to the the movies to see Rise of the Guardian (our whole family went to see it a few days earlier and A.J. had already seen it 8 times..yes, EIGHT times).  Anyway, being the old lady-parent that I am, I objected and the girls retreated for a while.  A few minutes later they were back again to tell me that Kaitlyn's sister, Janae, was willing to go to the movies with them so I wouldn't have to stay.  We said okay, and all three girls started doing 12 year old celebrating antics that I hadn't seen in years.  It was funny, and so I laughed and reveled in the feeling that comes when you, as a parent, say "Yes" to something that a kid really, really wants badly.

I took them to the movies and watched them walk away, the three of them, all on their own.  I might have got a lump in my throat as I realized Nicole's growth over the last year.  Maybe I was a little watery-eyed as I saw how happy she was with her freedom and friends.  Then I drove away and experienced something new as a Mom.  I can't quite describe it.  It was bitter and it was sweet, but mostly sweet.

Nicole got home at about 1 am.  She sat up and chatted with us while we painted.  She was helpful.  She was happy.  She was not tired at all.  That's strange, because she is my early-to-bed, early-to-rise kid.  I had a foreshadowing of days ahead when Sean and I will find projects to do together while we stay up late waiting for her to come home. 

Love her!  Can't wait to see what another year will bring. 

So, she's 12, and Sean and I have always wanted to do something special for our kids when they turn 12.  We decided we would let her go to Chicago to visit Aunt Molly.  She's been begging us for years.  I am hesitant to send her off on her own so I actually get to go with her.  :)  Thank you Aunt Molly!!  She doesn't know it yet, but after SLA on Thursday, we're leaving for Chicago.  I will tell her when class is finished, and I'll have our bags packed and hidden in the back of the van so we're ready to go.  I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE HER FACE!  :)  It's going to be a fun moment.

Chicago, here we come!