Growing Up

I am amazed at the passing of time and the growth that happens in the younger ones in our family. My niece Alyssa was in our wedding 5 1/2 years ago as a 6/7 th grader, and this year she is a senior. Friday night was senior recognition night at her high school, and, as a cheerleader, her parents walked her across the football field as her name was called. It was the last home game of the season and she did an amazing job. She had been a varsity cheerleader all four years of high school (tells you how good she is), and she did a great job leading her squad during the evening's game.

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We began the evening by going to McDonald's for dinner (not the healthiest, but fun!) where Addie proceeded to nibble on/lick the salt off of/play with some French Fries. Hey, for my child, that is a HUGE step! When she realized the salt and grease were on her hands, she simply wiped them on Daddy's arm (such a clean child :).

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When we arrived at the game, Addie saw Grandma, squealed her loudest, and ran to her. She then sat with Grandma for the entire first half of the game. Grandma was the favorite that night (sorry, Grandpops!). Towards the end of the first half, Addie realized I was sitting a few people away, wiggled off of Grandma, and ran to me. Earlier in the day I had crocheted (yes, you read right- I CROCHETED!) a little hat for her. She would not wear it all until she was so engrossed in watching the marching band perform that she didn't notice that I put the hat on her. I had Brian take a fast picture. It's a good thing, because as soon as the band finished playing, the hat came off again.

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Alyssa, we are so proud of the young woman that you are growing into. May God bless you as you close this chapter of your life and begin a new one. We love you.