it's great to be eight

friday, november 6th was summer's eighth birthday.

here's how i think the aging of children generally goes (from a parental perspective): 

0, .25, .5, .75, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 13, 18.

see how that sucker really speeds up there at the end?

yikes.

and while it's been pretty slow going for the past eight years around here, right about now that roller-coaster is definitely starting to round into the decline.

double yikes. 

as scary as it sometimes is to be on this speedy, bumpy, windy, twisty, and way, way high up in the air space mountain of sorts, the kids just make it so darn enjoyable to watch them grow up. to get to know them. to learn who they are. and to help them find their way.

it's my favorite part.

summer is an artist. she's a writer. a dreamer. a believer. she is kind. caring. a quick learner. summer is inclusive. a sharer. a sister. she can be shy and is easily embarrassed. she gets distracted. she loves to read. she loves to dance. she loves to know about things. about people. about history. about science. she loves treats and excitement and surprises and her family most of all.

happy birthday, sweet summer girl!

enjoy the ride :)