Audra Turns NINE!

Yikes- only one more year as a single digit!

But, it is true: Audra turned 9 in Santa Fe and Roswell, NM this year.

After our tour of Santa Fe, we spent three hours driving through a massive rain storm (are you sensing a theme for our trip?) to Roswell, NM. We knew it would be kind-of a different Birthday for Audra since we were on the road, but she was just fine with it.

We went to The Golden Corral for dinner- which is a place Ben often ate at while on his mission. It brought back lots of memories for him, and everybody got to choose a fun Birthday dessert from about 300 different options available at the buffet.

Then we went back to our AirBnB where Audra got to open her present- a Smart Watch designed for kids.

Here's some fun things about 9 year old Audra:

-She is still the sweetest child you will ever meet. Seriously. However, believe it or not (and those of you who know Audra will not believe this, but it is true), she is starting to get a little tween attitude on occasion. I can already see the teenage years might not be as smooth as I would like.
-She is not afraid to try new things- she has quite the go-getter spirit. It's really pretty cool.
-She loves to read! I've documented that many times before, but it still makes me happy.
-She is getting much more independent- wanting to stay home for a minutes alone, wanting to go on walks around the cul-de-sac by herself and such.
-She still loves her dolls- she is very motherly. Perhaps she will own some day cares or at least do something with children when she is older.
-She will eat most anything-she really isn't picky at all. But, her favorite food is breakfast burritos, and she does not like mushrooms.
-She is doing really well with piano. She is excited to start playing the trumpet this next school year as well. Like I said, she likes to try new things.
-Her cooking is getting better and better. She now is really, truly helpful in a lot of areas around the house. It is very nice for us, not always so nice for her.
-Everybody absolutely loves Audra. She is simply so sweet and thoughtful- she definitely has a special spirit about her, and she has an old soul. She is wise beyond her years.