13!

And then she was a teenager.... 

She has had to do a huge amount of growing up in the last year and has had a huge amount to deal with. But she is still the bouncy, bright, bonkers kiddo that brings joy to whoever she's with. 

Dinosaurs, rainbows, lego and Harry Potter filled her day. We had time together, I went to work. She joined me as she was volunteering in the cafe. My gorgeous colleagues had arranged a surprise afternoon tea, decorations, gifts and an incredible birthday cake.

We had a bit of time doing jobs, including collecting her fabulous new glasses, before we had a quiet hour at home. It was then back to work. But I took the fact I had to be in work as an opportunity for a bit of a staff perk and we met Lydi and her mum at work for a party tea. My job was to set the room for parties this weekend and to let the bouncy castle company in ahead of the parties. So the girls had a glorious time on the bouncy castle and didy cars. I was setting up the sound system for the afternoon party so we had a fabulous cheesy playlist and Brenda the Glitter Ball was on good form. It was the tiniest birthday party but it was joyous.

Because of our gorgeous community, a working day was full of special for her. Weird but wonderful, just like her. 

Some extras today. 

Katie at 13
Size 4 feet 
Missing some adult teeth
Has grown 4 inches in the last year
Taking her grades 7 and 8 on piano and clarinet respectively 
Is in Intermediate and G6 at ballet 
Is more obsessed with dinosaurs and Harry Potter lego than ever
Can't stand ketchup or mayonnaise 
Loves frozen mango and pork pies