Ashlyn's 10th Birthday

Catching Up: October 2009

I remember turning 10. I remember it being such a big deal to reach one decade. It was so fun to have Ashlyn come up to me around the time of her birthday and marvel at how she was going to be "one decade!"

She had a fun birthday. She had a "spa party" with her friends.

Good Morning Birthday Girl!

Deodorant?...As a birthday present?...Seriously?....

No, she doesn't 'need' it, but she wants to be a little bigger. I fought long and hard to make her stay little, (she did, after all, promise when she was 3 that she would never get big) but Ian convinced me to 'chill' - and so, deodorant it is!

What do you buy a 10 year old? (Besides the ever-popular deodorant, duh!) Who knows! Just give her a wad of cash and call yourself the best parents ever - that's what we did!

(Noelle wants to know how to score $50 for herself!)

Ready for school

Let's Party!

Avocado Masks

Pretty Piggies

(Notice Gracie's at 4:00!)

Ashlyn and her BFF, Madi

Ashlyn is ......well, there isn't just one word for her. She is kind, caring, sees people for who they are on the inside, helps her Mama constantly (what would I ever do without her?), fun, loves to teach, is graceful and gentle, is silly, and fun, and has a wonderful laugh, is musically talented, is SO smart, is humble and teachable, is selfless, cares about every creature and our beautiful world ("you're going to recycle that, right?"), and wants to be a good person. She'll let you choose the movie, what slice of cake you want, and where to go for a date. She'll be the first to give someone who is frustrated or hurting a hug. She is a peacemaker. She is beautiful.

We are VERY blessed to have her in our family!