Double Digits!

 

Leah turned 10 on Monday, and we can't believe that our baby girl is now double digits!  Her birthday was the last day of winter break, and she was thrilled not to have remote learning on her special day.  We stretched out her birthday festivities over 2 days since we had plans to go skiing on the 4th, and she opened her presents a day early.  As usual, gift opening was a sibling affair: 

Millie is so "helpful" with wrapping paper, just like her big sister Winnie was.

Sewing kit.

Our Hamilton loving kiddo!

New books.

Elated to receive a new tackle box from Gawa!

She promptly organized all of her new fishing supplies!

A special part of the day was a Zoom call with Bean & Poppy.  Leah opened her presents from them while they watched through the computer screen.  How cool is technology for things like this?!

No more Winterhoff kids in single digits!  

In the afternoon, we took Leah's new Y-Fliker scooter for a test ride at the park.  This thing is so neat, and our adventurous little girl was excited that hers is blue!  Thank you, Mimi!

Leah requested warm Doubletree Chocolate Chip cookies with whipped cream for dessert after her birthday dinner.  She's not a big cake fan these days, and this cookie recipe is one of our very favorite pandemic finds, so it's always a special treat when we bake them:

On Monday, I woke up Leah early and we drove to Appalachian Ski Mountain in Boone.  This was only Leah's 3rd time skiing (and the first time that she wasn't taking a lesson or in ski school), so we weren't sure how much she'd remember from last winter.  Amazingly, Leah flew down the mountain confidently after a very brief warm up on the bunny hill, and she looked like a pro!  She skied down black diamond ("advanced/expert") hills with no problem, and had the time of her life.  We had the BEST day on the slopes, and I loved this special time with my Peanut.  Ten years ago, when I gave birth to this child, I had no idea that we'd be celebrating her 10th birthday with a ski date. I can't wait to see what fun adventures her next decade will bring!   

Victory pose after her first black diamond run!

Birthday ski selfies with Mama:

Leah, life with you is pure joy.  You are an extraordinary human being who is intuitive, witty, and kind.  You are a voracious reader and you are obsessed with dogs.  You love sports, adore your Daddy and Bubbie, and are still Mommy's baby.  You make everyone happy, and are cooperative and helpful.  Teachers love you, you are a friend to everyone, and you are an old soul at heart.  It is the greatest privilege of my life to be your mom, and I can't wait to see how you are going to use the gifts that God has given you to shine your light in the world.  We love you, sweet girl.  Happy 10th birthday!