Thirteen

 THIRTEEN!!!  Our tiny baby girl is 13 years old today! Laurel is our steadfast child who has been the very same from the moment we brought her home. She is kind and adventurous and determined and compassionate and loyal. Laurel is the friend that everyone is drawn to because she doesn't make waves nor does she play favorites.  There are quite a few qualities that Laurel naturally possesses that I wish I had!  She is dedicated to her work....if it is her idea.  Encouraging her to finish a homework assignment thoroughly is a constant struggle in our house.  But she will spend hours making a rubber band gun and paper bullets exactly right. You always know where you stand with Laurel.  We joke that she has zero poker face. If she is disgusted by something, you know it; if she is elated by something, you know it. Her thinking is deep but her answers are precise. She won't sugar coat anything. For a while I was trying to discourage her assertiveness and confidence but then I realized I wish I had that quality! Without being rude or ugly, she tells the truth as she sees it and doesn't lie. At times she has her words and actions come back to bite her when she realized she was wrong, but it doesn't make her upset. She just recognizes what needs to be fixed and does it! I am confident that she will succeed in whatever she decides to do in the future. Laurel loves her family more than anything else.  She doesn't need to be the center of attention and doesn't need a crowd to encourage her or give her value. Her favorite plans include staying home and hanging out with her siblings.  She tells us all the time that she's going to live by us when she's older and I completely agree with that. Her bond with both Erika and Levi is unbreakable. She loves playing the piano, chocolate, watching TV, shooting BB guns, sleeping in, soccer, all meats, and animals.  She does not like vacuuming, cake, shopping, putting away laundry, being cold, spaghetti, or sleepovers. Her heart is pure gold and her actions prove it. She is independent and confident and funny and smart and loving and we wouldn't be the family we are without her in it!  We love you so much Lowlie Annie!!

1. What is your favorite color? Pink
2. What is your favorite sport? Soccer
3. What is your favorite fruit? Watermelon
4. What is your favorite movie? Jungle Cruise
5. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? Grilled ham and cheese roll
7. What is your favorite subject in school? PE
8. What is your favorite snack? Skinny Pop
9. What is your favorite animal? Dog
10. What is your favorite song? Living Hope
11. What is your favorite book? Harry Potter
12. Who is your best friend? Paisley
13. What is your favorite cereal? Cocoa Pebbles
14. What is your favorite thing to do outside? Play with the barn cats
15. What is your favorite drink? Chocolate milk
16. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas
17.What is your favorite restaurant? Goofy’s Kitchen
18. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? McGriddle
19. What do you want for dinner on your birthday? Hamburgers
20. What do you want to be when you grow up? Physical therapist