Jumping Up to Double Digits

February 21, 2013

written by Cathy Baker, mom of two daughters now in the double digits

Before our children were ever born, we saw this movie about celebrating a child’s very first double-digit birthday. I mean, most likely, this is the only time in their lives they will jump up a digit from 9 to 10, as chances of jumping up from 99 to 100 are pretty slim.

So we decided that when they turned 10, we would let them choose a family vacation of their choice, within limits. I’ve discovered I like this age of 10 because a) they will be old enough to remember details of the trip and b) they are young enough they don’t have teenage attitudes yet and still like being with us (ha!).

The other thing I’ve discovered is that I love this ‘pausing’ to celebrate the gift our children our in our lives. To cherish them in this very real way. These years with them are flying by…I mean, didn’t I just bundle them up and bring them home from the hospital, um, yesterday? Sweet Sigh.

Two summers ago, we celebrated our oldest daughter’s 10th birthday – she wanted to watch the sunrise over the Grand Canyon and ride horses into the sunset on her birthday (well actually she wanted to ride them down into the canyon, but only donkeys go down into the canyon and there are weight restrictions, so we compromised).

Celebrating #10 - I love this picture!

Last week, our youngest daughter turned 10, and she wanted to swim with dolphins. So we booked our 1st cruise, drove 700 miles to get there, to discover our cruise ship caught fire that day and was adrift at sea, so our cruise was cancelled. We were both disappointed and also grateful that we were not aboard. So we rebooked her cruise for Spring Break, and spent her actual birthday letting her put her toes in the ocean, collect seashells, and we took a boat ride to see dolphins. (~~I won’t even mention how blustery, drizzly and cold the day was~~ – but we had memories to make!) So, her 10th birthday celebration will continue next month!

My sweet 10 year old and I - Galveston, TX

So have you ever heard of this double digit birthday thing? What are your thoughts?

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Category: Random and Fun, Travel
Tags: birthdays |

2 Comments »

Heidi Farmer
on February 21, 2013 9:37 am
First, I was super glad you weren’t aboard that ill-fated Carnival cruise! I’m sure they will have everything sorted out in March and you’ll have a fabulous time.
Second, Happy Birthday!!
Third, you gave me a new idea for a tradition around here. We have 2.5 years until our eldest adorable makes that double-digit transition!
Marykate Wurster
on February 22, 2013 6:45 pm
What a great idea! Happy birthday!!