[Seek]ing Octopus

To celebrate her twelfth birthday, Alia wanted two things: to eat octopus and to have fun with friends. 

The octopus was easy - she invited Gramma and Papa to take her (and the rest of her family) out for some gluten-free sushi for her birthday celebration. 

Trying to find a way to get Alia's friends from various parts of Connecticut together was a bigger hurdle, especially with our busy schedule. We decided on a birthday party on her birthday after mainstage auditions at Epoch Arts. Twenty cast members, crew, various other friends,random birthday decorations, snacks, a skull cake, and an Occulus Quest will hopefully make for a fun party.

Alia is entering her thirteenth year of life doing all the things - there's a boy she likes; she's acting in mainstage; she's on two committees at church as well as being an usher, acolyte, crucifer, and helping with coffee hour and @ the table; and she's learning Spanish on her own. Alia's art covers our walls and she's constantly coming up with new creative projects.

My youngest child is getting so old! It's been such a blessing being her Mama. She's been a challenging child in the best of ways, helping me grow not only as a mom, but as a person. 

And did I mention her strange sleeping habits? These days, you're more than likely to find her sleeping in the hallway between the upstairs bedrooms rather than in her bed. But that's not the strangest sleeping situation she's ever been in. 

Happy 12th Birthday, Alia Quinn!