Dear Everly,

Happy birthday #7! Here's a little Bible trivia about the number seven, In Scripture, seven symbolizes completion or wholeness. Makes sense to me. We completely love you and are wholly devoted to you - the girl who turned two ordinary people into a Papa and a Milly!

So what's new with you, first grader? Well, you've been losing teeth on a regular basis, and you're growing into that big smile just a little too fast for this Milly (sad face). You're a terrific big sister to Jaybird and to "little brother" Henry (the dog). Around town, you're a budding soccer star and fledgling golfer - much to your dad's delight! At the coast, you're picking up mad skills on the surfboard. Wherever you go, you sprinkle a little love and fun!

You've become a big fan of all kinds of games this year, and you're an absolute land shark at UNO! You like bingo but only if the winner gets M&M's. "Find the Spoon" is a household favorite when you come to my house (who would have guessed?!). You're a polite, patient, pleasant player of all games, but in the end, it's clear that your goal is to smoke your opponents!

You love to learn! Anything related to science is your thing, but your biggest passion is...BUGS!!! Currently, you're "farming" ants, earthworms, and ladybugs. ("The Day the Ants Escaped" will be one of the funniest chapters in your autobiography!) And roly poly, watch your back! Everly is coming for YOU!

Other favorite things...reading, eating chocolate lasagne, and learning and telling Bible stories. You're a whiz at Scripture memory and a rock star at the ABC game. You're really good at sneaking up on people, and you know it. Sugar is a food group - or so it should be, in your humble opinion. Boys are cute, and the library is fun. Also, boys are fun, and the library is cute.

Today, there's an adorable little snaggle-toothed, fun-loving, bug-farming, science-brained, book-devouring gal on the loose! Oh, wait - that's YOU! Everlina, I thank God for the joy that you bring with your smile, your laugh, your hugs, your big brain, and your sweet heart. Happy, happy birthday, little bug! Take a deep breath, and blow out those candles!

Always loving you with all of my heart,

Milly