7 years old

Our oldest daughter is seven years old today!  We love her so very much and are so fortunate to be the parents who get to take care of and love this little girl.  Erika continues to amaze us with her wisdom and intensity, tries our patience, laughs harder than anyone I know, shows compassion to everyone she is around, struggles through physical and emotional growing pains, and brightens our lives!  This year she attended school for a full day instead of half day and I miss her so much when she is not home.  She is my buddy and there are days when she cannot get enough hugs from me……those are my favorite days!  Erika is a great student and comes home from school with all sorts of wisdom to share and is so excited to tell our family what she learned that day.  I love answering the questions she has and learning right along with her!  She is an avid reader, but has to work really hard on her math facts.  But my sweet girl never gives up and tries her very best at everything she does!  There was an incident at school (her teacher relayed the story to me) where a little girl was sad because she felt that no one wanted to be her friend and Erika went up to the girl with tears in her eyes and said, “That’s not true….I want to be your friend!”  Her heart is so big and loving and full for everything and everyone she is around.  Her maturity has really grown this year and she can take part in a conversation with adults during our life groups as well as with kids her own age.  There are days when her maturity tests me….when she wants her way or no way….but we get through them and both learn how to love and respect each other in different stages of growing up.  Levi completely idolizes her; Laurel claims her as her best friend; those three kids are so good and loving to each other it makes me so proud!  Erika loves the going to the movies, loom bracelets, playing in the backyard, tacos, having friends come to her house, swimming, reading, little animal figures, and playing make believe with her siblings.  She is kind, inquisitive, smart, hilarious, nosy, has the best facial expressions, and will never say no to a sweet treat.  She has the best attitude for the “oldest kid” in our family and is patient with us as we figure out this whole parenting thing and how it evolves as she grows.  God designed Erika perfectly and Matt and I are so blessed to be the ones to guide her in this life.  Our hearts are continually full and happy because of Erika!  We could not love you any more, Little Boo!

 

1. What is your favorite color?  Blue
2. What is your favorite toy?  Animal figures - Sparkle the unicorn is her favorite
3. What is your favorite fruit?  Strawberries
4. What is your favorite movie? Muppets
5. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch?  School lunch corn dog
6. What is your favorite subject in school? Math
7. What is your favorite game? Tag
8. What is your favorite snack? Ice cream
9. What is your favorite animal?  Dog
10. What is your favorite song?  I've Got Everything That I Need
11. What is your favorite book?  BSC Little Sister
12. Who is your best friend?  Helmi and Kennedy
13. What is your favorite cereal? Cinnamon Toast Crunch
14. What is your favorite thing to do outside? Monkey bars
15. What is your favorite drink?  Dr. Pepper
16. What is your favorite holiday?  Christmas
17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night?  Stuffed animal puppy
18. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast?  Pancakes
19. What do you want for dinner on your birthday?  Juicy hot dogs
20. What do you want to be when you grow up?  A scientist who tastes foods to see if they are safe and good