ALMOST 5 .. ALMOST KIndergarten

Charli Reece! Oh my gosh can you believe it? I cannot. My baby girl is a big girl. You are such an amazing person. You are smart, kind, silly, artistic, mischievous, explorative, animated, fashionable, and most of all loving. You are a terrific big sister and such a role model to Danica, She loves to do everything you do and watching how well the two of you get along is the greatest of gifts for your Dad and I. You are an experienced gymnast and enjoy your Tuesday dates with Grandma. You have had your ups and downs with school but mostly because you are so busy you need more to do. You thrive in all situations and have an amazing imagination. Your fine motor skills continue to be off the charts and I am so impressed with your logic and problem solving skills. Oh and did I forget to mention you are dramatic, you could win Academy awards daily!

Daddy and I were away from you over night twice this past year for a wedding and the Superbowl. Grandma, Auntie Ter, and Uncle Neil took care of you and Danica. The morning you woke up and we weren't there you took a framed picture of me rom high school and put in on the kitchen table while you were eating breakfast and told Grandma, " I am eating with Mommy." Then you face timed me and it about broke my heart, I had to promise you that I won't ever go away over night again!!!! But the fun you had dragging tiolet paper all over the house, making projects, dressing up like lady Gaga. I mean you guys laughed the entire time lucky girl, blessed family. Oh and the mess you made. I think I am going to give up on your room being cleaned every day. And as much of a helper you want to be at times you hate laundry---don't we all.

Your big interests are making forts, sliding down the stairs, jumping off of things, changing your clothes a hundred times a day, rainbow showers, brushing your teeth, gymnastics, coloring, projects, dolls, and making a mess. Not to mention play doh in any form including the I pad. You are bust busy busy.

Florida at Christmas was no different this year than others, perfect. You are a great little swimmer and made it from one side of the pool to the other, you did it! You loved the ocean and had no fear this time and would go in and out and let the waves crash at your feet! You went shelling with Grandma and Grandma even spent new years with you and Danice in your pretty dresses! For Christmas you got everything you wanted from Santa because you made such an awesome list and we sent it out in the mail and Elf gave you a good review after a couple naughty list struggles... Oh my gosh and Santa even called you, luckiest girl! We made an awesome snowman and played in the magical snow...and even suffered heart break. When River passed you asked, " when you die do you just disappear and go to the sky?" Dad told you there is a stairway and when you get there you aren't sick anymore. You asked if he could come back when he isn't sick anymore and we explained that he has to stay in the sky but he is with your Grandpa's and Gramsy... You let us know you were going to make him pictures to take to the sky and leave them on the bottom stair. That is who you are, caring, compassionate, loving, and able to use art to express love. You teach me something new everyday. Thank you- love you the most!

Thank you for the joy of music and dance you bring to the house and share with your sister. We have such a happy house because of you. Charli you make the world go round- I love you!