Bright as a Button

 Well, we have a tween on our hands. Zoe is getting so grown up. It is amazing to me how much she has grown over the last year (heck! last 6 months!). I refuse to use the word "blossom" but really, this child has changed into a delightful (most of the time) young lady. I know I shouldn't get ahead of myself, she is still only 10! But we have glimpses of what she might be like when she is a young woman.

 Things that are different about Zoe:
1.She uses her words. She is so good about expressing how she feels. While still irrational at times (aren't we all) she has started verbalizing it instead of blowing up or breaking down.
2. She is a huge help with Felix. She has been "babysitting" quite a bit. This summer is a dream when I can run for an item at our nearby grocery store. Instead of having to load up all the kids for a 15 minute trip, I can leave them. She is greatly helped by the television, but still, very responsible.

3. Doesn't feel a need to argue about EVERYTHING!! She can let some things pass, and also see when it would not be helpful to continue the discussion.
4. She is fun! She enjoys a lot of the same things we do. She loves to laugh (okay, that isn't always a good thing). She loves to have a good time, and she has the same sence of humor that we do. It makes things really fun. Although, I have realized that I am more serious minded than I used to be. I have to stop her singing church songs in an opera voice when I was always being repremanded for that growing up.
5. She got side bangs. She is pretty excited.
6. She can exercise patience, when absolutely necessary.
7. We signed her up for a dance camp. We have never done anything like that before. She is counting down the days!

Don't get me wrong. We have a ways to go. It is nice to get a sneek peek of the maturity that she might have at some point. She is really great. She is resilient, and strong, and kind.