13.

Tomorrow she officially becomes a teenager.

I'm coming to realize I love this age.

She is still fresh and innocent and sweet.

Yet she is dipping her toes in all things big girl.

{Sigh...}

Let me tell you a few things about my girl...

She always wakes on the right side of the bed.  Always.

She is one of the most cheerful and enthusiastic people I know.

She won an award in kindergarten to show for it :)

She is also one of the hardest workers you will ever find and her GPA proves it.

There is nothing she loves more than to spend

an evening watching a movie while polishing her nails.

She loves to curl her hair and put on make up

and is just as happy to bump around in daddy's truck wearing mucky boots.

She can laugh like Minnie Mouse and often does.

She chooses the high road every time. 

 Even when her heart's been broken.

She's willing to try anything once - food, activities, you name it.

She is the typical middle child - always the peacemaker,

often setting aside her own preferences for the sake of peace and harmony.

She is an athletic stud...

basketball, volleyball, soccer or gymnastics,

She loves them all.

She adores artichokes.

She loves Boone.  A whole lot.

She will do laundry and empty the dishwasher without being asked. 

{ Love that!}

She is obedient, kind, and always thinks of others first.

She sings in the shower at the top of her lungs.

She is a happy child.

Happy, happy 13th birthday, Gracie!

I love you so!!