Happy 8th Birthday

To my sweet 8-year-old,

I cannot believe how fast time has gone by... you are getting so tall, so smart, so sweet. Every time I look at you, I'm overwhelmed with pride. You are my daughter, and I am proud to be your mother.

This year has been quite a year. You've seen both your parents get re-married, so you were a flower girl twice this year. You went to Philadelphia and to Idyllwild- twice! You went to Sea World and Disneyland this year, too. You're a better traveller than most adults I know. You love to see new places and to meet new people. You do love to try new things, and are amazingly open to trying new foods. Some of your favorite foods this year have been pasta (a long-term staple), sushi (you started eating the raw fish this year!), and of course, chocolate anything.

You began playing soccer this year. Every week you get stronger and better, and braver. I'm so proud of you for keeping things going even when they are tough. You might cry, but you've always pushed to the other side. Last week you even saved the game by blocking the opponents' goal!

You kept up with your piano this year, and became very good. You practice without being asked! I love listening to your music.

You went swimming with the dolphins at Sea World this year- wow! What an amazing experience that was. Next time I'll squeeze into a wetsuit and get into the water with you. It was a joy watching you- with your friends, on an adventure of a lifetime.

You saw snow this year for the first time you can remember- the last time you were just a baby. While you found it awfully cold (it was April, we weren't exactly prepared to see snow), you had so much fun playing in the snow, making snowballs, watching the dog run in the snow like a bunny rabbit.

We still are in Girl Scouts together. You are such a good Girl Scout, a sister to all of your other scouts, you learn quickly and love to earn badges. Your Girl Scout vest is full already, and no matter where we go, you're quick to make new friends.

You went to Day Camp at Girl Scouts this year, learning to cook. You also went on field trips with them, even though you didn't know anyone, you made friends within minutes. You went to Girl Scout overnight camp for the first time, and you didn't even need my help. In the dark of night, you took my flashlight and explored the campgrounds with the camp counselors, and loved every moment of it.

You wore a poodle skirt in the holiday parade this year- you looked so beautiful, and you've always enjoyed being in the parade.

We got our puppy Kiki this year, you had fun with your little girl puppy.

You continued with ballet this year, and performed in a recital in the spring. You've lost your fear of being on a public stage, and I think you are very happy when you are performing. You went to drama camp this summer, and were so in love with the experience.

You've also enjoyed art, and hiking, and Padres games.

You started third grade this year, and even though the beginning of the school year was a tough transition, you're doing wonderfully as a third grader. It's so much more work, but you work awfully hard! I'm proud of you for the hard work you do- you sit down at the table, you focus on your work, you push yourself through the tough questions.

You're still a big reader- you'd read for many, many hours each night- which you do, most of the time. You read at least an hour a day, every day. You're on to chapter books this year, you've gone from Junie B. Jones to Ramona.

You've got a lot of friends and family who love you very much. You've kept your friends at your old school, and made many new friends at your new school. I'm impressed by how well you've adapted, even when we joined a new Girl Scout Troop.

You went on your first sleepovers this past year. I thought for sure you would call me, wanting to come home- but you loved the adventures, the chatting with friends, the late-nights. You are definitely a night owl like your mother!

I'm so enjoying watching you grow up. You're growing up into such an impressive young lady. Happy 8th Birthday, I love you!

Love,
Mommy