On July 26th, my sister turned 9. To celebrate, we threw her nine parties. Not really, but it felt like it.

Genesee got lucky since Auntie Cha Cha was still here on the eve of her birthday. So, Cha Cha planned a Mexican birthday party, complete with homemade guacamole, Mexican rice, tortillas, and quesadillas! It was delicious.

Then, on G’s actual birthday, I had to travel to Eau Claire for AAU basketball tryouts, so afterward, we made another party of it and went to the mall, Action City, and a Mexican restaurant. (Because you can never eat too much Mexican food.)

On the following weekend, we celebrated mom and Genesee together, and made a trip to the Mall of America and got to experience a MNUFC soccer game!

It was a month of festivities, but that girl probably deserves the extended celebration. I don’t always know how to be good to her, but I do love my sister, and I have to admit: it’s been fun to watch her grow… literally. My sister is TALL! But that’s not all. Here are some other fun facts about Gigi Luigi:

• She likes to straighten her hair these days.
• She retired from playing goalie.
• She’s really good at spending money.
• She is still the goofiest girl around.
• She continues to be in love with ice cream.
• She loves Needohs and all things squishy.
• She wants a pet bunny. Or a guinea pig. Or a hedgehog.
• She wakes up happy (even though she’s still a night owl).
• She loves to bump a volleyball around.
• She’s my favorite Fortnite buddy.
• She’s super thoughtful and always wants to make people feel loved.

Genesee really is the best! I’m not sure my 12-year-old brain can fully appreciate her, but I know I’m gonna mature into a brother that realizes just how lucky I am to get to spend my formative years with someone like Genesee.

Cheers to my sister’s last year in the single-digit club!