Happy 6th Birthday Adeline

Adeline, you are amazing.  You pay attention to so many details.  You help keep us on track and you keep a close eye on our schedule.  You have your own unique style.  You love to have your hair done up and I love to do it.  You played Upward Basketball this past winter. We are looking forward to upcoming soccer.  As a special treat that you have been anticipating for 6 or more months we got your ears pierced just before your birthday.  Your love of God is amazing.  You already know more Bible stories than I do.  You flip through your Bible regularly.  You are on a reading frenzy.  THis summer I think you realized if you want to, you can read just about anything.  You are amazingly generous.  Many times when I didn't think it would be expected to share, you give to Essie and you give more than I expect.  I pray I am as generous as you!  You are a writer.  You write encouraging notes almost daily.  I find letters in envelopes for your friends often.  You write Essie love letters all the time. So encouraging!  You love first grade and being a First grade Frog!  Fully Relying on God!

I love you girl and so do many others.

For your party we had it at the Tilley pool for family and the Tilley's, Otts, and McNeils (new friends). You choose a mermaid theme.  The chocolate tails started melting on our hot August evening before I got a good picture, but the cupcakes were delicious!

Below is something new I tried... instead of sending in cupcakes to school we sent in applesauce and juice boxed with some decorations to look like mermaids and dolphins!

Standing Indian

North Carolina is awesome! We had so much fun camping with Uncle Frank, Aunt Jeannie, Suzanne, Michael, Colin, Elizabeth and Evan!  What fun to camp with cousins.  Especially when they can take you to all the best spots in the campground.

Our first ever hike was to Mooney Falls!  The girls did great!  It was amazing!

What a view!  Glory to God!!!

Essie you rode your bike everywhere and even by yourself a bit.  You rode at least 3 times a day. 

Uncle Frank's campsite

Playing in the creek is so much fun. We are so thankful Elizabeth showed the girls how to find "rubies". There were many beautiful stones in this cool water. There were lots of rocks to move, dams to make, mermaid princesses to swim (and go down river after). 

First Day of School

Adeline starts First Grade with Ms. Holloway and Mrs. Chenault

Esther starts K4 with Mrs. Tafhs and Mrs. Guerry

at Cornerstone Academy

Below you two are showing off your back packs and lunch bags!

Essie is FOUR!

Oh Essie!  You are a gift from God.  How we love you so.  I know God has great plans for you.  You have brought us so much joy this past year.  You always have a smile on your face.  You are a pretty independent little girls.  This summer in getting ready for PreK or K4 at Cornerstone Mrs. Tahfs came to our house.  She help you "read" a book by learning a pattern and looking at the pictures.  You loved that paper book. You read it to so many people.  You have a huge smile on your face every time.  You also were encouraged by Mrs. Tahfs to start writing your name in cursive.  You mastered that after a couple weeks.

You love your sister and family so very well.  Ms. Lois at church is a favorite, but you also seem to love choir though you can't seem to remember Ms. Cindy is your teacher's name. Your best friend is Kate T.  You are best buddies. You recently prayed thanking God for Kate and that you got to play with her so much. 

You were my assistant in Upward Basketball this past winter.  You love riding your bike, though with training wheels currently. You aren't really attached to any stuffed animal/lovey. You are aware of exercise and say that you need to exercise to have a long life.  Once you ran around the house 20 times after a rainy morning. Adeline and I ran around with you about 6-10 of those. 

I pray for you a great first year at Cornerstone! I pray your sensitive heart toward things of God keeps growing in that direction. Any time baptism is mentioned you are ready to dive in.  Oh to have faith like a child.