what i saw....

last night i kissed our seven year old goodnight for the last time...

and this morning i hugged our eight year old for the first time!

 

our nani is 8 today!  that is just crazy! i can't believe that she has grown up so much, so fast! it seems like just yesterday that she looked like this:

age 2

 

last night, i went through the pictures that we have of her on our computer and it was a wonderful walk down memory lane! i'd like to share some of what i saw.

 

i saw, that even at the young age of 2 you were a wonderful big sister. you were never jealous or upset that this little sister of yours took some of our attention from you. you were excited and very willing to share your mommie/daddy time with her.

 

at 3, i saw that you were still very much in love with your sister. you were kind and gentle! you loved to wear matching clothes (and still do) with your sister.

 

i saw that you still didn't have very much hair! it was pretty funny to see you next to lia who was only 3 days younger than you! you definitely were hair challenged at three! i just laugh when i look at this picture because of how much hair lia has and how little hair you have!

 

at 4, i saw what a happy girl you are and always wanting to pose for the camera.

 

i saw that you developed a love for the water at a very young age:

 

at 5, i saw that you showed how brave and tough you are when your first loose tooth was knocked out by your sister when you were pushing her on the swing. you wanted to cry but instead you smiled:

 

i saw how much i love your beautiful, dark brown eyes:

 

and your playful smile:

 

at 6, i saw how silly you are with your sisters. i love how much you make them laugh and how you love their sense of humor and laugh with them. you laugh easily, which is a wonderful quality to posses:

 

i saw your laughter:

 

i saw how much color you bring into our life and family with your sweet spirit and thoughtful ways:

 

at 7, i saw that dimple that i love every time you smile. i love it because you got it from your daddy. i was reminded of how your smile can brighten up a room:

 

i saw how you let your light shine. i saw your zeal and excitement for life. you have a way of seeing people through the eyes of the Savior. you have a kind heart and a loving tenderness for others as seen, especially, in the way you watch out for and take care of your sisters:

 

i saw that you are a leader amongst your friends and family, someone that people look up to:

 

i saw how much you love your dad:

 

i saw your sweetness in the patience and love you have for your sisters. you are full of such goodness:

 

nani, you are a blessing from our Heavenly Father and i thank Him everyday for sending you to our family!

 

happy 8th birthday, sweet nani! thank you for your example and for showing me how to be a better person!

 

i love you!

(*thanks malia for the last four photos! they are beautiful!)