Dear Ellie,
Happy 10th Birthday sweet girl! It's hard to believe that you are in double digits! You are our teeny tiny girl but there is a lot of personality packed into that little package. You are so smart, you love books (Percy Jackson is your current favorite), you love legos, you are so pretty and if there is any small special occasion you always take extra time getting ready to make sure you look your best, you are witty, and you mean the wrold to us.
This past year has been a tough one for you.
We did virtual school this past year which was definitely NOT your favorite. We had a rough school year and you were just kind of withdrawn all year. It broke my heart to see my mostly happy child turn into a sad kiddo. I am so glad we made it through the school year and you are very ready to go back to brick and mortar school this year!
You were starting over with making new friends. You left behind in Columbia your very best friend and that was really hard for you. You have made some great friends in Greenville and seem to be adjusting better and thanks to facetime you still get lots of time to talk to Lucy!
You broke your arm twice this year. I was so impressed both times with how resilient you were but you still got frustrated at times, understandably, and it definitely didn't seem fair that it kept happening to you! I was SO proud of you though when you got your waterproof cast this summer and jumped right in to swim team practice the next day. You went to the beach with your cast and while you definitely had some painful times and it wasn't fun wearing a cast cover out on the beach you made the best of it.
I hope that next year is a much better, less broken year for you. I can't wait to hear about all the new friends you make at school. I can't wait to see the excitement in your face when you come home from schoool and tell me about your teacher and your classroom and what you learned. I know you will have an amazing 5th grade year. You already know quite a number of kids in your grade and you are beyond excited to get back to school!
This year you tried skiing and absolutely loved it. I can't wait to go back next year and see what progress you make. This year you did your first year of Greenville swim team (SAIL) and absolutely loved it. You made some wonderful friends, learned how to dive, swam like a rockstar with a cast on your arm, got your breaststroke legal, and can not wait until swim team starts back next summer!
Ellie I just love the way you embrace life. You get so much joy out of whatever you do. Whether it's building with your legos, becoming all consumed with a book series, playing with your friends or siblings, or trying something new your joy is infectious. One of your favorite things is an adventure. Whether its a trip to the children's museum, a waterpark, picking apples, or even going to the library. You love FUN!
Sweet Ellie Belly, I can't wait to see what fun adventures and exciting moments are in store for this next year! I am so glad I get to be your mom and be with you every step of your journey. You light up my life just by being you! (And if we could have a few less broken bones that would be swell.)
Love,
Mom
