Laowai

Bea turned 14 over the weekend. We had a brunch and presents in the morning and cake after dinner and then the next day we went to the Shedd Aquarium with Mabel and her family.

Bea has become a devoted chocolate lover – especially dark chocolate. I made Grandma Dice's chocolate cake recipe with a chocolate frosting on top and caramel frosting between the layers. And Bea topped her serving with chocolate ice cream. Oooooh so rich!

The aquarium just reopened to visitors a few weeks ago. I'm so glad we could go out and do something special. Visiting the aquarium now, with Bea and all her new fish knowledge was a totally different experience. She was definitely in her happy place.

Bea has registered for her freshman year classes and she is very excited about her biology class. We're all hoping school will be more normal next year so she can really dive into the things she's interested in. I say it every year, but it's hard to believe that she has grown up so fast. 

Lately, most times when I take shower, a fish drawing slowly emerges on the glass shower door as it gets steamed up. I know Bea has been thinking of fish while she showers and she draws them with her finger. So as I shower I smile and think of my girl.