our little girl is no longer little and almost no longer a girl.  she’s almost twelve, but the size of an adult.

we know this b/c her shoe size has now exceeded both mine and Jess’.  we know this b/c she has become rather mature and responsible.  we know this b/c she has become more selfless and caring about others, preferring others to herself, although we still have to remind her at times to prefer listening over speaking.  we know this b/c she is starting to have more of a mind of her own, that still needs lots of guidance.  she is very unique and quirky and we wouldn’t prefer it any other way.  we know this b/c we are also having to grow more with her and through our relationship with her.  she still hasn’t lost the innocent way that she views the world and those around her and we hope she never loses this sweet charm completely.

she is blossoming into the lovely fruit of God we had hoped she would become.

Ilford Delta 3200 BW, Contax 645

The boys have introduced us and the whole neighborhood to ripsticks.  It has made for endless summer fun and lots of scrapes and scratches.

Sometimes Gabe thinks he’s a super hero riding his razor around…