5 going on 15!

Happy 5th Birthday, sweet Avery Grace!

Oh, how the time flies by...

And you seem so anxious to grow up and be like your big sister, 

but please don't be in a hurry...

you'll be there soon enough (too soon for Mom & Dad).

As the second child in our family, you came to this world with a spunky, feisty, and at times scrappy, but hilarious and strong spirit!  There just aren't words to describe all the different dimensions of your great personality!  But I have no doubt that whatever you decide to do in this world, you will succeed and do it with flair.

You have a tremendous capacity to love...

I can't begin to count the many times a day you say, "I love you Mommy" 

(or as a toddler, "I wuv you tooooooo much!") 

or body slam us with a giant bear hug.  

You love all things girly, like tutus (the ONLY reason you didn't quit dance before the recital)...

But if it means you get to be with your big sis, and best friend Madie, you'll trade in your tiara for a helmet and race to catch up!

I think being a flower girl for all your aunts' weddings has been like living a dream--you get to be princess for a day.  But you didn't like it when someone commented on how beautiful the bride was on her special day...you scowled in disgust and said, 

"Uh! I'M  not the most beautiful?"

We LOVE you Baby girl!  Don't ever stop giving us your giant bear hugs!

Even at age 2, you knew how to be the Queen!

I pray that you will always know how much you are loved by your Heavenly Father

and have the "courage to grow up to be who you really are".