Ella is Eight!!

Well, my oldest child reaches the age of accountability today!! I cannot believe it!! Did I really have her 8 years ago? Where did that time go? I am so so blessed to be her mother. You will have to forgive this post as I will be going on and on about how wonderful this girl is. Here it goes!

Exactly one week ago was the last day of school. They let all the kids whose birthday's were during the summer break bring in treats to celebrate. I was dropping off the Krispy Kreme (yes, they just opened it back up) doughnuts to her class as the teacher was giving out class awards. She had me stay and they "rewind-ed" a little because she had just given an award to Ella. So she did it again for my benefit.

Ella received the "Friendliest Girl" award. I was not surprised, but how the teacher went on and on about her did surprise me. She said that Ella really was friends with everyone and had never talked badly about anyone. The teacher went on to say that Ella always made everyone feel included and never had fights with others. She said so much more, but I was a mess after just the first sentence. I must say that I could not have been more proud if she had been asked to skip two grades. I made sure to tell her that getting academic awards is a great thing, but that how you treat people is much more important. I'm glad I'm not the only one who notices what a sweetheart she is.

It's funny because I have told Paul many times in the last year or so that Ella reminds me so much of his sister and one of my best friends, Jenny. Boy am I glad that she got some of that! Jenny is one of the most genuine, loving, fun, and humble people I know. Jenny doesn't have a mean, manipulative, or malicious bone in her body. It wouldn't even enter her mind to do, say, or participate in anything unkind. Ella is A LOT the same way. Actually there have been a couple of times that Ella hasn't even realized that someone has done something mean to her because it is so far off her radar that it doesn't compute. This trait also rolls over into her being quick to forgive. She really does forgive and FORGET! I love how she can get over things and move on.

When we were in San Diego last week (post coming about all that fun) we went to Sea World. Ella said that for her birthday she wanted to swim with the dolphins. We decided to let her go for it, and boy am I glad we did. It was AWESOME!! It was even better than I thought and we had a perfect shot to see the whole thing. I am going to do it next time we go. It was amazing. Tell me if you think she was having fun? (click pictures to enlarge)

Ella is the BEST big sister. She really looks after her siblings and is always so willing to share, or give up things for them. I love how she wants to be with me and help me with things. I hope that lasts a little longer.

Ella is the perfect combination (in my humble opinion) of a tomboy and girly girl. She can have fun with a bunch of girls, or a bunch of boys. She really holds her own well in all situations and doesn't get too caught up in drama. I've always wanted to make sure that my kids weren't "followers". I've witnessed many times Ella's great balance in this area. She is often willing to let friends have their way on a choice of games to play, but she always states her opinions in a nice way and stands up for herself. Oh, and you should see this girl play basketball!!

I really could go on and on, but you get the idea. Ella is just a great girl all around and we couldn't be more thrilled to have her in our family. She teaches me so much everyday. I love you with all my heart Ella Belle!! Have a GREAT day!!