Time sure does fly by!  I can’t believe that Brooke is getting ready to start her senior year.  It seems like only yesterday she was a cute little girl.  And overnight she blossomed into a beautiful young lady!

The day after Christmas we headed out of town to visit our family.  We had Christmas with my side of the family on Saturday.  Here are a few pictures of the fun:

I know it’s a little out of focus, but I have to take what I can get with Brooke.  She hates having her picture taken just as much as I do.  So even though it’s out of focus I can still see her face!

All of the excitement was a bit much for Dottie.  She had to take a break from opening her presents for quick nap.

Hailey is modeling her new apron.

The aftermath of opening the gifts, just a little mess to clean up.  See me on the couch?  Don’t I look great?  It’s not my fault- remember I was sick.

Hailey and Aunt Ellie had lots of fun playing in Hailey’s new Rose Petal Cottage.

Hailey posing for a quick picture before church on Sunday.

We celebrated Christmas with Rich’s side of the family on Tuesday but I didn’t bring my camera with me.  What kind of blogger doesn’t have her camera at all times?  A bad one.  So- sorry I don’t have any pictures from there to share.  But here is one of Hailey playing with one of her gifts she got from Nana and Grandpa (Rich’s parents).

Hailey loves to clean with her vacuum- she gets it out every day and cleans up the house.

That’s it for my Christmas pictures.  I’ll be back with a few pictures from our New Years celebration.

Brooke turned 16 back on April 20th and last weekend was her birthday party.  I have no idea where the years have gone.  It all goes by so fast.  I thought for Wordless Wednesday this week I would share a few pictures from her birthday party.

For more Wordlessness visit Wordless Wednesday or 5 Minutes for Mom.

Dear Brooke,

I feel like I don’t know where to start this letter to you.  I guess I should start out by mentioning all of those years ago when I first met you.  Daddy brought me to one of your dance recitals so that I could meet you.  You know how when you watch a dance recital there is always that one kid who is out in front and obviously knows exactly what she is doing?  And all of the other kids are watching and following her moves?  The thing that stands out most in my mind about the day I met you was that you were that girl out in front- the one leading the rest of the group.  I’ve always been one of the ones who stands back and follows and I was so impressed with your confidence.

It was love at first site- you were such an amazing little girl.  And as I got to know you I loved you more and more.  You have always had such a big heart and you are so accepting and loving. 

While I know I am not your mom I have always loved you just like you were my own child.  We have shared many happy times together and I cherish the many wonderful memories I have of times spent with you.  You mean more to me than you will ever be able to understand until the day when you have your own children.

I can’t believe that little girl I saw dancing on that stage all of those years ago is turning 16 today.  Where oh where has the time gone?  You are still that same person you were back then- full of confidence, a natural leader, always ready for some fun and laughs, and of course you still have that big heart full of acceptance and love. 

I love watching you as a big sister to Hailey.  The way you are with her makes me so happy and the way she already looks up to you is such a great thing to be able to see.

You are an amazing young woman and I know that you will be able to do anything you put your mind to doing.  I am proud of the person you are and look forward to what is ahead in your future.

Happy 16th Birthday to my favorite teenager! 

I love you,
Melanie

(P.S.- Can’t wait to get a phone call tomorrow to hear the words, “I passed my permit test!”)