Sunday, December 4, 2011

Aaker Adventures 2011 - Part Three: Erika

One person, in particular, who is really excited about getting a new room is our own Miss Erika. She is our resident fashionista in every sense of the word – whether it's in reference to clothing or interior design. In 2011, she discovered a fashion for magazines such as Teen Vogue and Seventeen. Since she's 15, that isn't such an extraordinary fact.  However, one of her goals these days is to make sure that she presents herself and her ensembles in unique, quirky, and fashionable ways.  That explains why we are always late for school.  Even though she gets up a full 45 minutes before we have to leave, it takes her that long just to figure out what she's going to wear, and her clothes-strewn floor is evidence of that fact.

Her fashion passion carries over to her future room as well. The other day, I caught her downstairs with her pen and pad; she explained that she was “designing” the color scheme and logistics. Anyway, Erika is the member of the family who had an action-packed summer.

In May, Erika accomplished two important achievements. First, she completed Lifeguard Training. She really didn't want to do the training because she really didn't want to become a lifeguard BECAUSE she didn't want to be just like her brother. That seems to be the rule in her decision-making. If Nick did it, she doesn't want to do it. Anyway, even though she completed the training, she has not had the opportunity to actually work as a lifeguard yet since her summer was a bit too busy for her to get a job. She applied at the YMCA and is waiting to see how that story will end (Yep, she eventually changed her tune about the lifeguarding gig.)

Then, in mid-May when she turned 15, she took passed her Driver's Permit test, which was, to her, liberating, and to us, a bit frightening since her previous behind-the-wheel attempts had been somewhat “adventurous.” She has much better success in driving with Mom since Mom doesn't spaz nearly as much as Dad (surprising, I know). There have been a few times when she has made some questionable choices, always using the excuse, "But, I have the right of way!" Anyway, Erika has made definite improvements, so I guess that's why kids, especially Erika, are supposed to practice for a year.

After our trip to Treasure Island in June, Erika then spent two weeks at Lake Beauty Bible Camp as a Serf Camper. When discussion of attending Serf Camp originated, Erika once again dragged her feet because she thought I wanted her to go simply because Nick had. Nevertheless, she applied and was accepted and later admitted that she was very glad that I had "encouraged" her to go. Both she and her BFF, Cassandra, spent time working at the camp and with kids as part of the experience.

Speaking of Cassandra, I would remiss if I didn't add a few lines about my second daughter.  Cass and Erika are together so much that most weekends, they will conspire to find a way to stay at one or the other's house.  Even though they are purely silly and speak their own lingo, we are blessed to have Cassandra in our lives.  She is the "daughter" who appreciates books and reading as much as I while Erika (and Nick) dislike reading and prefer math instead (Yeah, I have no idea how THAT happened).


In September, Erika was thrilled to get her braces off her teeth. Her "bestie" had hers taken off in August, so Erika was counting the days until she would be free of metal.  Likewise, for the first time in four or five years, the Aaker household was finally without braces or a payment for braces!

With the start of school, Erika had now entered her sophomore year in high school. She is still an avid swimmer, participating on the school swim team, where she typically swims the 200 free, the 500 free, and relays.  

Erika is now involved with her winter sport, Nordic ski. Last year, she whined and complained about Nordic, so you can imagine our surprise when she told us that she wanted to ski again this year.  Apparently, she has made some improvements in her form because as of now, she is going to be skiing at the varsity level. 

So far, there are no plans for a spring sport, so her mother is hoping that she can get a little part-time job to fund her numerous shopping sprees. Her next major feat will undoubtedly be passing her driver's license test in May when she turns 16.


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