Happy 7th Birthday, Olivia!

Dear Olivia,

I don't know how it's possible that you are seven years old. My last baby, my wee 3 - you're, like, BIG now! I am grateful that even though you're big, you still love to snuggle your mama. You also love to take over the couch or bed that we're snuggling on and leave me just a tiny sliver, while laying half of your body on me, but that's not the point here.

Your seventh year was a good one. You joined our school ski program this year and really picked it up quickly. You ski SO well and have surpassed my skills (which, to be honest, doesn't take much, but I thought I'd have one season on you).

You learned to read, and you are such a little bookworm. I often find you in your bed like this.

You're in first grade and you love school; you get upset when you have to miss it, especially math.

You conquered the monkey bars, and that is now how you rate every park or playground: whether or not they have monkey bars and how cool they are.

We went on a few trips this year. For spring break, we went to Shenandoah National Park and New River Gorge National Park, where we hiked mountains, explored waterfalls, and went horseback riding for the first time.

Highest point in Shenandoah

You played T-ball.

This was the year that you learned how to swim on your own. It started during spring break at a hotel, and then at the beginning of the summer, you spent some time at Uncle Jon's and got pretty independent with swimming in their pool.

Over the summer, we visited Mackinac Island for a wedding and the UP for more waterfall chasing.

And we went camping with the Grays.

We loved the beach - during the day and for sunsets. We even went a few times this fall when we had some extra warm days.

For Thanksgiving, we went to South Carolina. We had a blast spending time with Dad's cousins and checking out a new (to us) state. 

Future cadet?

For your birthday this year, you wanted to get your ears pierced. You were brave and handled it amazing, but you did say it hurt and you never want to do it again.

You are just as fun and feisty, sweet and sassy as always. You love to be creative and silly, and you still love to snuggle your mama. 

You had a lot of fun and adventures this year, learned a lot, and grown so much. I'm so proud of you and the young lady you're becoming. I love you so much, Livvy Jo.