Maya at 18 Years

 

Here are the current stats:

Height: 5’6”

This will be the last post with birthday stats as our young lady is now an adult (at least on paper). 

Maya's now single, artistic, social, and very talkative. She graduated at the top of her class and had a leading role in both the play and the musical for her senior year. She was busy volunteering at the local hospital and decided to take up guitar. She loves hanging with her friends, painting, getting outside, taking pretty notes for her classes, and making cool foods.

While we are sad that our lives are about to change with her heading off to Northwestern in the fall, we know she is ready. 

Maya's Day

Maya already had her 16th birthday bash, so the celebration on the day was pretty mellow. She got some gifts and we had a fun dinner with Chloe.

At dinner at the our favorite Japanese place.

Chloe and Maya.

Now with baby bro.

And the fam.

Birthday cake!

Can't believe you are 16 years old.

Maya at 16 Years

 

Here are the current stats:

Height: 5’6”

Maya is now old enough to drive and should be getting her license soon. She's getting more and more independent. She had another year of Varsity Tennis and Fencing (she was captain). She's was elected for student council and she's continues to develop her charity work for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society with her Two Beanies TAP group. She's enjoying participating in the school play as well. She's very busy with her schoolwork which seems to be the major source of stress in her life. She took painting this year and has gotten very interested in water color and is quite talented with the brush.

She got some great friends and is getting out for social activities. She's still into baking and making boba. 

We love our responsible, funny, intelligent, creative daughter.

Favorite movie: Everything, Everywhere All At Once

Favorite food: Dim Sum

Maya's Birthday Party

Maya had to wait a while to celebrate her birthday, but when the time arrived, it was certainly worth it! All the guests arrived, and then we walked to our local ramen place for dinner. Then we came back and everyone watched the Hunger Games with boba tea and ice cream sundaes. It was a good day.

On the way to dinner.

Kids on the move.

Its sundae time!

Happy Birthday sundae.

Hallelujah!

Party Time!

Maya's birthday went very well considering our situation. Black Panther theme. Trivia game. Telestrations. Tacos. Fun!

When you are done with party prep, read in a tree.

Ready for kids.

Kids playing Telestrations.

Dexter gets to play with the big kids.

I think they are having fun.

Movie time.

Engrossed.

Party animals.

So strong!

This guy.

Party Prep

Now a week after surgery, Daddy has come out of the bedroom and is doing his best to help Maya celebrate her birthday.

 Maya wanted a Black Panther party and she's getting it!

Action shots.

Oh yeah. 

Daddy is upright!

Selfie with crutches.

Birthday in the Bedroom

Maya's birthday happened to fall two days after Daddy's surgery. He wasn't moving, so we celebrated upstairs in the bedroom.

 Maya opening some mirrors from Dexter. He broke hers and replaced it.

View of the presents from the bed.

Birthday Cake!

The for the big present. After more than a year of begging, a persuasive essay, and a promise to do all the cleaning, Maya gets to get two pet rats.

She is a little excited.

Happy 11th Birthday Maya!!!

"Ice Skating Birthday" video

Some of the fun on video...

Ice Skating Party

Maya decided to be cool for her birthday this year.

Why are these two dressed like this on a 90 degree day?

Ice Skating Party!  Maya decided to celebrate at the Santa Rosa Snoopy Ice Skating Rink.

Maya with old friends and new.

Getting chilly with friends.

Life is good with tacos and soda.

Maya Z. and Sophia R.

Party animals!

In lieu of cake, there were donuts, lots of donuts!

Back to the heat!  A wonderful birthday celebration.

Birthday Sleepover and Art

Maya convinced us to let her have her first sleepover party.  One thing we learned...6 nine-year-olds equals very little sleep and lots of screaming.

 Mexican food for dinner, then they watched The Force Awakens.

The schedule of events by Maya.

These two aren't sure if they are going to make it.

Yes, it is possible to fit five more girls in Maya's room.

Breakfast after very limited sleep for everyone.

In other news, Dexter drew his own Star Wars themed picture.

TIE fighter picture.