What do 12-year-olds know?

When you're 12, you're a preteen. Both of my children agree with this label, so it must be true.

Still, the "preteen" label feels like a bit of a slight.  It sounds like twelve is just a waiting station for the "real" years.  What are you "pre" except a number?!

Maybe some twelve-year-old kids can't wait to be older, but one of the things I appreciate most about our Ellie is how she embraces life now; how she's not waiting to jump in and live her life with gusto at her current age.

She is, all in!

In fact, twelve years is old, plenty old.  Think about it, 12 is old enough to...

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Embrace your inner geekness.  Lend a helping hand.Have a signature Starbucks drink.Be proud of your countryAppreciate an epic photobomb!Decide to have a great attitude. (Most of the time)Love your dad beyond measure.Indulge your mom's antics.Create your "best look" for pictures.  Exhibit A...Exhibit B...

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Exhibit C... Exhibit D...(you get the idea!)Stop and smell the roses (or freshly cut grass!).Use sunscreen.Always be game for adventure!Saying we're proud of our not-so-little girl doesn't do our emotions justice.  However, it's a start.

Ellie, you are the best!!

Happy Happy 12!!

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