VIVIENNE IS TURNING 8

Oh Vivienne, how are you going to be eight years old tomorrow? It feels like a few months ago that you were two or three and as cute as a button, chatting away and you were the age that we could pop out for the day together for ice creams and hot chocolates.. I can't believe it's been a whole eight years since those difficult days bringing you into the world. So much has happened and changed since 2009 in our little family and you've been there all the way through.

Now you're a wonderful 'middle aged' child (your words!); full of beans, stubborn, beautiful.. you love your friends, tennis, reading books, writing stories (you tell everyone you're going to be an author and illustrator when you're older).. you're outdoorsy and love nothing more than mucking about outside, cartwheeling, and wearing full activewear. Wherever we go you want to wear leggings, t-shirts, hoodie and a cap - we call this look 'Sporty Viv'. You say you feel most comfortable wearing 'tomboy' clothes - we seem to be constantly buying you leggings and throwing holed, worn out pairs away! You're amazing on your bike and flicker and we love going on bike rides, especially in the Autumn when we go conker hunting. You're a great little swimmer and love taking Sylvie to the baths now too. You love to bake (inspired when GBBO was on the TV) and I can now more or less leave you to it in the kitchen and wait and see what you come up with. You're such a kind girl, generous and often we think you're so wise in your own way. 

It's been absolutely wonderful to watch you blossom and turn into the most amazing big sister. I don't know how we'd do it without you. You're an amazing help and you're so caring, patient and loving with Sylvie. She adores you - no-one makes her laugh like you do. You change nappies, get her ready, entertain her, give her the best cuddles - you're wonderful with her and she's so lucky to have you.

Me and your Dad are so, so proud of you. I can't wait to see what this next year brings.