9 Years

9 years ago, I became a mom. To this girl.  She is kind.  She is loving.  She is nurturing.  She is smart.  She is curious.  She is driven.  She is a perfectionist.  She is creative.  She is responsible.  She is independent.  She is funny.  And honestly, she's 1,000 other things.  But the truth is that even if she were none of these things, I would adore her.  I just don't quite know how to put it into 

words.  She's just precious to Jamie and I and I'll leave it at that.

This was her luau/swimming party with her friends.  She has the sweetest group of girlfriends.  I'm so thankful for this blessing in her life.  Seriously, there is not a mean girl in the bunch 💗

On her actual birthday we offered to take her out to dinner and maybe to a movie or something fun, but she asked for a backyard family camp out 😃

Jamie couldn't have been more proud.  He loves all things outdoorsy and is raising his kids to enjoy those things with him.  Last summer, he took each of them for an overnight camp out and they both really loved it.  Lainey asks for him to take her fishing on their daddy/daughter date nights.  So funny to me, but I love any kind of family time so I'm learning to embrace sleeping in a tent!

This picture makes me laugh every time I see it.  Lainey has a really silly side so I decided to get her some trick candles and put them on her strawberry shortcake.  She kept blowing them out and they kept re-lighting and I was laughing so hard I was crying while Jamie was losing his mind because of the small fire I put in a bowl in front of our daughter.  It was quite a moment that ended with him running water over it because the candles wouldn't burn out.  Still makes me laugh because normally I'm the one freaking out over things but for some reason, I just thought it was so funny.  Anyway...

See, they eventually calmed down a little 😉

Happy Birthday sweet girl!  You are loved more than you'll ever know.