Rose's 8th Family Day

Dear Rose - 

Eight years ago we were in Colombia, wrapping you up in our arms for the very first time. We had waited such a long time for that day to arrive. Over four years! But in that moment, all the tears and frustrations of our long, weary journey melted away as joy flooded our hearts. You were well worth the wait.

Our beautiful daughter dressed in pink from head to toe. We were all smitten. 

Eight years have flown by in a blink and you have grown up from our tiny little princess into an independent girl full of spunk, determination and big ideas. 

Typically we are on spring break for your big celebration, but this year we ended up being at home. With your choice of fun activities to pick from, you decided to celebrate with some yummy treats and arcade games. So you, Kate and Pa ventured over to Flaherty's, our local bowling alley, for some fun.

Afterwards, you requested to make brownies for your big day. You have become quite the little chef! They were delicious and you enjoyed them with a heaping helping of ice cream.

Of course, no celebration could be complete without your tried and true, absolute favorite place to grab dinner…Wendy's! You ordered your usual - chicken nuggets, a hamburger and a lemonade. You enjoyed every bite!

Rose, you are a natural born leader, guiding and directing (and occasionally bossing) your siblings. You love to be in charge and always seem to have a plan in place. 

You've recently taught Kate all there is to know about Roblox. Now the two of you (and often Cole too!) can be found sitting next to each while interacting in your favorite Roblox games. Rainbow Friends is currently one of the top games on your list.

You have an ear for music. You adore a good tune and catchy lyrics. You will often be found with your headphones on jamming to your favorite songs. Your interests span genres. You like everything from country to pop and even sea shanties.

You enjoy playing a wide variety of games against your dear old mom and pa (and sometimes even Nana or Popi). Uno, Trouble and Checkers are your current favs. You are quite competitive and do not like to lose, despite sometimes throwing the game by playing poorly in order to extend the fun. You have a head for strategy and are definitely a hard one to beat!

You have a need for speed, whether you are cruising down the road on your bike or zooming down a hill on skies. You are a bit of an Evel Kneival and love to be wild and adventurous. 

You can often be found climbing on the couch arms, standing on the ottoman, and leaping from one piece of furniture to the next. In your mind, the floor is lava, and you must keep your feet off the ground as you hop with glee across the furniture. Why just sit on the couch when you can jump, climb or stand on it!

Creativity runs deep in your soul. You will get an idea out of nowhere and be so focused on completing the task at hand that nothing can stop you until you are done. You love painting, coloring, and creating unique playdough sculptures. 

Your creativity shines through to every day occurrences. While the rest of the kids would simply take a seat on the ground, only you would come up with the fabulous idea to enjoy your popsicles while relaxing on a chair under an umbrella. 

You love the water and have become quite the swimmer. You taught yourself how to swim during the COVID pandemic, and since then have perfected yours strokes with weekly lessons at Foss Swim School. You have no fear when it comes to water. You happily jump right in and dive down to the bottom.

Sadly, many, many months ago, you misplaced your beloved Tutu (your elephant lovey). We have searched and searched, but alas, have not yet discovered where it may be hiding. 

In the mean time, you have decided that one of our blankets would work as a replacement. I bought it for a family photo shoot, and after just one wash, it fell apart. I was going to toss it, but you insisted on keeping it. Ever since, it's become your favorite item. You sleep with it every night and drag it downstairs with you every morning. Of course, you have banned me from ever washing it again (and boy, could it sure use a spin in the washing machine!) Most days, you can be found curled up in your blanket on your favorite chair in the family room. If anyone else sits in "your chair", you loudly ask them to choose another seating option. That is YOUR chair after all! 

Rose, you are growing up before our very eyes into quite the young lady. We are so thankful to have been chosen to be your parents. A very happy 8th Family Day to you, Rose!