It's so hard to believe we have gone from this,
to this.
Ten years old. Double digits. Mind blown.
We had a great day celebrating this sweetheart. We started off the birthday weekend with a big surprise. Two of her best friends from school came over to spend the night. She was NOT expecting this at all. We were missing sweet Caroline, though. The girls enjoyed some playing, chatting, giggling, foosball, watching a movie, looking at their "old" yearbooks, and eating. Lots of eating. I think they checked off all of the "Things to Do at a Sleepover" items.
This morning we loaded up and took the girls to Dahlonega. They enjoyed walking around the downtown area shops before lunch at The Smith House. Kayla loves her southern cooking and vegetables, but apparently she loves her mama's cooking best of all. :)
We then headed over to do some gold panning. I tried to explain to them that they would just be finding little pieces, but I don't think they were expecting pieces quite that little. It was a cool experience for them anyway.
After panning we took a tour of the mine. It is the largest hard rock gold mine east of the Mississippi. The girls had a good time venturing down into the mine and learning some neat facts.
After the tour we panned for gemstones. This was a lot less work and a lot more rewarding. They each found lots of pretty stones to take home.
And because we got home so late the family birthday dinner will be celebrated tomorrow. She did request Mexican for dinner and she was surprised with the gift of a tablet.
Kayla,
Wow! Where do I begin? You are the child that made me a mother, and I couldn't be more proud to call you my daughter. You are a compassionate, thoughtful, smart girl and we love being your parents. You love spending time with your friends and family. Sewing is your new hobby, but your first love is still reading. I can barely keep up with your desire for new books, but thankfully you don't mind rereading books over and over. You are your mama's daughter, that's for sure. :)
Your sisters love to be with you. You and Macy are best buds and I hope it stays that was forever. She loves you and loves spending time with you. Brooke, of course, wants to do whatever you can do, and she loves playing whatever you come up with.
Fourth grade has been such a great year for you. You have continued to do so well in school and seem to enjoy almost all subjects. This year you began computer class which quickly became a favorite. That was followed up by learning to play the recorder, another thing you have enjoyed practicing. History, science, and writing continue to be your favorite subjects.
It's so hard to believe that you are now ten years old. I know God is going to use you for great and mighty things one day. My prayer is that I would continue to help you grow to love Jesus and to want to know Him more. You are a blessing to me and I love you deeply.
Love,
Mama
