Today my firstborn turned 9!! I still cannot believe it. I know that those words are written in my blog post each year but it is still true. Kaylee has grown and changed so much over the past year. I can see each day her own personality coming out more and more. I could not be any prouder of the young lady she is turning out to be. 
Instead of a big party this year we opted to have a few friends over to spend the night. My amazingly talented friend, Lindi, offered to come over and teach a cake decorating class so of course I took her up on it. Kaylee was over the moon with excitement since she wants to open her own bakery when she grows up. Her favorite shows are Cake Boss, Ultimate Cakes, Charm City Cakes and any kind of Food Challenge that involves decorating cakes in different themes. Do you see a pattern here? It was so much fun watching the girls think of how they wanted to decorate their cakes. The decorations they chose were as different as their personalities. I loved it and so did they. Thanks again Lindi for making Kaylee's party a huge hit. (Kaylee's peace sign cake with animal print.)
After the cake decorating, eating a little cake and opening presents the girls got their party favors. Can you tell what they were? I have never seen girls so excited over a party favor of pajamas. Too funny! Once they all had their pajamas on we went to the late showing of Megamind. I figured as long as they were going to be awake I mine as well plan something. Once we returned home they were all ready for some sleep and so was I.
Nine things I want to remember about Kaylee this year...
1. She is a wonderful friend to everyone. I have never heard her say anything rude or ugly to anyone or about anyone.
2. She is an amazing student in behavior as well as academically. So far she has maintained a Straight A report card from the time they started getting real grades in first grade until now. She loves to learn and always does her best.
3. As you can tell from the above post she loves to bake. If it has to do with cooking she is ready and excited to help.
4. She loves to play the piano. Since starting lessons a year ago she has come so far and I love to hear her play.
5. She loves little children. Anytime we go somewhere with friends and there are younger children to play with she entertains them. She especially loves to play with some of our friends' triplets.
6. Softball is still her sport of choice but she did decide to take a tap class this year. I love watching her giving both of them her all!
7. She loves to do any activity that involves the whole family. Whether playing a game, bowling, going to the movies or just eating out she just likes for us to all be together having fun.
8. She will still sit down and tell me all about her day. I mean a total play by play of the day's events. I pray that this continues because I love knowing what her day is like when I am away from her.
9. She loves God and her family most of all! There is nothing that compares to her telling me all the things she has learned about God and us talking about it together. I pray that she always has a heart for Him.
Kaylee, when I think of you I truly think of pure JOY! When you were born our lives changed forever in the best way possible. You have always made us so proud with the choices you have made and the way you treat others. I know that God has amazing things in store for you life and I just feel so blessed that I have a front row seat. You are beautiful inside and out. Thanks be to our God for sending such a big gift in such a tiny package nine years ago. We love you so much and are looking forward to seeing all the wonderful things year nine has in store for you.
