Addison's Top 10 List at 9 Years Old

It's that time of year again to stop and really reflect on who and what personality characteristics make up Addison at the age of 9. Traditionally, we have done that by a "Top 10 List," so drum roll please...

10. Dogs and animals (even reptiles!) 

Without evening looking back at you Top 10 lists from 1 and 2 years old, I am quite certain "dogs" have made the list nearly every year. You have continued to love all animals and show a fearlessness with animals including this rat snake that Laity Lodge counselors found slithering on the road.

9. Swimming and being in the water!

Addison could boogie board all day and night in the ocean. She doesn't even pause before grabbing her board and catching a wave. She's never met a pool, beach or lake that she does't love!

8. Her great sense of humor! 

Something that we have noticed over the last year that is very consistent as she turned 9 is how often strangers and people around her comment on her "great personality and sense of humor." It can be from her teachers, camp counselors or parents of friends around her but it is something that definitely stands out about her.

7. Horses

I am sure it probably makes every typical 9 year old girl's list, but Addison definitely loves horses and has enjoyed taking some lessons this Summer.

6.  Ella & her friends.

Addison and Ella continue to have a very special bond. Getting to spend 3rd grade in the same class only strengthened it. What is neat  about their 9 year relationship is that they are confident enough it it to be open to other friendships and including other friends in their group and outside of their bond.

5. Choreographing and performing.

Addison loves coming up with little dances anywhere she is at. It can be just for the 5 of us at home or in front of hundreds at the school Talent Show or Laity Lodge Family Camp Talent Show. Recently, she started writing songs to perform.

4.  Her brother and sister.

At 9, I have only seen Addison's bond with her little sister strengthen. Delaney often chooses to be with Addison over Carter and they usually sleep with one another 90% of the time. However, Addison and Carter's relationship is still unbelievably close for their ages. They still often spend hours and hours together exploring and playing and solidifies their exceptionally close bond since birth.

3. Writing sweet heart-felt notes and journaling.

At the end of the school year, Addison's 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. Hernandez pulled me aside to tell me about the incredibly sweet note that Addison had written to her for Teacher Appreciate Week. It made me think about the several texts I had received from family after opening Addison's notes recently. She loves taking a person's name and using the letters in their names to find adjectives that best describe them. It is so precious.

(insert Macy's letter and Blake's letters.)

2. Soccer and her Classics Elite Everton Team!

1.  Fearless, Tough & Confident!

Addison at 9 is fearless, I haven't found much that she won't try, from rides, new experiences, new foods or a week long overnight camp for the first time while not knowing a sole, this girl is up for anything!

She amazes many by how fearless she is when playing soccer and playing with Carter and his friends. We are pretty sure it's the result of being just a grade level lower than her brother and making sure she has kept up with him, her entire life!

Addison's first overnight camp for 4 nights at CBC Camp Tejas in June 2017 after just turing 9 years old 2 weeks prior. (Blake was at camp with her at Carter's counselor & Ella was there with her, too!)

Other things to remember about Addison at 9:
- She leaves her socks everywhere!!!
- At 9, her attention span and focus on completing tasks around the house, it many times low and is what results in many of our disagreements. ;)