Five

Happy 5th Birthday, Elli!

What a wonderful year it has been with you, sweetheart. You've done so many new things and grown into such a tender-hearted, creative, fun little girl! Although your appearance hasn't changed drastically this year, you have blossomed as you have new experiences and learn new skills. 

This year was full of milestones:

- you were a flower girl in your uncle's wedding

- you found out you were going to be a big sister

- you moved back to your birth state

- you rode a horse for the first time

- you attended your first play

- you attended your first ballet

- you attended your first KSU football game :)

Your daddy and I have loved seeing how you've grown as a loving big sister. No one can make Caroline laugh like you do, and you're always watching out for her in new places. I love peeking in on you during your gym class at the Y, because you are usually helping Caroline to participate in the game or activity. She and the new baby are so blessed to have you for a big sister!

You have such a wonderful imagination, making our home such an interesting and exciting place to be. You're constantly wearing holes in your leggings, because you love to crawl around pretending to be a variety of animals. :) During your "rest time," I love to listen to you make up stories and songs with your toys. 

You continue to enjoy everything creative and artistic, and we're usually quite amazed with what you come up with all by yourself. Give you some paper, crayons and scissors and you can go for hours! Clearly you got your dad's creative genes. :)

We are so thankful that God chose to bless our family with you! You bring light and joy into our daily life. This coming year will hold many big changes too as we add another little sibling and enter into the school years, plus whatever else God has planned for you! We pray that He continues to reveal himself to you, and that you will grow in your love for the Lord. 

You told me on the morning of your birthday that you were 5, almost 6. It's so natural for us all to be looking ahead, anxious for the next thing, but let's take this moment in, celebrating and savoring all that 5 has to offer. Which in your case, is a lot!!!

Happy birthday, sweet girl!