Our big kid is literally a big kid now. Ten years old.
Taylor is at an age where she likes to feel like she is in control and can make her own choices. Case in point, asking her some of the "favorites" questions that I typically do on a birthday post, she said, "yeah, I don't really want to do that." ; - )
Without even needing her to tell me, it is pretty easy to list things that she loves right now. She got a Nintendo Switch for her birthday, and that has been a big hit for her. She loves playing Mario games, Animal Crossing, and likes to play them with her friend Dehlia. In this fancy year of 2020, you can play video games with someone else at the same time virtually. That definitely didn't exist when Ryan and I were kids! She really likes golf. She will be playing Tuesday mornings this summer for a few weeks with her friend Ashleigh from down the street, when they have some "little league" kid golf tee times. She also likes golfing 9 holes with Ryan, Grandpa, Chris, and even Camryn sometimes! Taylor continues to be a fish in water. Purely recreational at this point, but she does love to swim at Mem's lake and in the pool. Her stuffed animal Tony, and her white blanket are still both in the picture - still a kid for sure. :) Legos, circuit making, Kiwi Crates, and reading are also things she likes to do.
Taylor's friend Dehlia is most definitely her best friend. The two are two peas in a pod when they are together. Dehlia was who Tay wanted to invite for her first sleepover. They are in class together this year in Mrs. Thompson's class, and we are hoping they will be together for 5th grade, too, before heading off to the middle school!
Taylor definitely doesn't mind, and at times prefers her alone time. She doesn't mind being independent or playing alone for a while. I can completely understand that, and see some of myself in her with the need for "me time".
We have tried to move towards getting books from the library, versus buying them, because she reads through her chapter books and graphic novels so fast! She likes reading the Warriors series, books by Raina Telgemeier (Guts, Smile, etc.), and also likes it when I get her the newest edition of Archie, the comic book series. :)
Taylor is growing up before our eyes - in fact, we almost look at each other at eye level right now. :) It will be interesting to see how much she grows and changes in the next year! Will I be looking UP at her when she turns 11?! :)
We love you, Taylor Leigh!
