We have an 8 year old!

I probably start every birthday post the same way, "how can she be... or time just goes so quickly!"  I truly wonder how these 8 years have just flown by so quickly.   Our first born sweetie pie Elizabeth, came to us a few weeks early and has been filling our life with joy ever since!  Elizabeth is such an amazing young girl.

She is so smart, kind and sweet.  She is a lot like her daddy and I love seeing her mind work, her heart respond, and her life shine.  She processes life inside her head and it is wonderful when those thoughts come out and are shared with us.

Little Lizzy, then...

And now...with her new braces!

So, what has this 8 year old of ours been up to these days? She is still involved in her ballet class loves to dance, she is so graceful, focused, and beautiful.  She is an avid reader (which her sister is very frustrated with) and will pick up a chapter book and spend hours, probably the entire day if I let her, reading it.  Later tidbits of info that she is reading about will come out.  She loves historical fiction books and knows a lot about the pioneering times through all the books she reads. For Christmas she got a sewing kit and has made a few outfits for her stuffed animals.  For her birthday she got a knitting kit, so she is beginning to learn how to knit - she loves to create!  She loves math and science and has begun playing the piano this year also.  She soaks information up and loves to learn.

A birthday dinner at The Old Spaghetti Factory

Her ballerina birthday cake

Some sweet friends celebrating her birthday!

Pumpkin pie was her request for her family party.
The cousins all pitched in to help her blow out that one trick candle!

 Elizabeth is the proud new owner of a hamster!  Nibbles came to live with us last week and has been a very sweet little pet.  Elizabeth is very responsible and helpful in caring for her pet and with helping around the house.

Nibbles and Elizabeth

Elizabeth, you are a beautiful shining star and we are so proud of you.  May God continue to speak life and truth into your heart and I pray that you will always respond to his calling.  We love you!