Dear Ellie,

What a difference a year makes! It’s been a blast watching you change and grow into the little lady you’re fast becoming! Not only have you grown in height, you’ve also grown quite a lot in character. As the cheerleader in you might say…Eight. Is. Great! Go, Ellie!

But why would you want to limit yourself to cheer when there are so many other activities you could be involved in? Why, indeed?! So this year, you broadened your horizons to play softball in the spring. Every girl needs a walk-up song, and yours was “Walking on Sunshine.” Then when summer came along, you played volleyball for the first time. And how many hundreds of hours did you spend at the pool?! That crazy good tan you’re sporting is evidence of just how much fun you had swimming and going down waterslides with friends, cousins, and siblings.

During the school year, you’re always eager to jump into learning – and into building friendships! It’s been refreshing to see you discern the difference between good friendships and maybe not-so-good friendships. Not only are you good at reading books – you’re also getting pretty good at reading people. That’s a great skill to have as you grow up. You’ve met quite a lot of new friends through the sports you’re involved in and also with your participation in Girl Scouts. Your competitive spirit kicks in during cookie selling season. Watch out, world! Ellie will wear you down. You absolutely do need that extra box of Thin Mints! Ellie will help you to realize that.

And speaking of reading books – next to eating, breathing, and sleeping, reading is the next thing that comes naturally to you. If you don’t have an actual book in your hand, it’s a Kindle or some other sort of reading material. My goodness, there’s so much to learn! And you’re quick to learn it! Plus, there are so many stories of so many amazing people that you simply MUST read about! And so you do – at the breakfast table, in the car, when you’re supposed to be asleep, just about anywhere you can get away with it!

As much as you love to read, you hate to ride rollercoasters! That was confirmed this year as you got to go on a family trip to Disneyland! Just like your Milly, you’ll one day make a fine drink and jacket holder for the braver souls among your group. More your speed were the trips to both the East and West coasts. You’re a beach bum who loves the sand – especially if you can head back to the condo for a little reading later in the day! Being on the go is fun, but you’re also pretty good with chillin’ at the house, book in hand, lying on one of your two giant dogs, just enjoying the family vibe.

In the last year, I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing you draw in kids who are looking like they need a friend. That makes me so proud of you! Your quick smile and bright, expressive eyes are inviting to a shy one standing on the outside. It’s not long before giggles and joy take the place of anxiety and loneliness. Way to go, sister!

So, my little eight-year-old page-turner, what’s to come in the next chapter of the story of Ellie? Like everyone else, I guess I’ll have to wait to find out! What brings me the greatest joy is that you know the Author of your story, and you’re learning to walk in His ways and see the world as He sees it. You are a blessing, Eleanor. You are smart, kind, and helpful. You have a big heart and a big brain, and God has a big design for your life. Happy birthday, sweetie! “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” – Jeremiah 29:11

Always loving you with all of my heart,

Milly