Happy 3rd Birthday, McKinley!

We've been so busy this summer having fun with you, our big girl.  You have changed and grown and learned to try so many new things... riding your bike, swinging "way up high to the sky", and climbing tall playsets to name a few.  And to each new activity you add your own sense of McKinley sweetness.

Many people, myself included, mistake you for Elissa these days.  The two of you really enjoy playing together and doing many of the same things so it's easy to get you confused from across the room.  However, you have your very own personality that seems to look at life differently than a lot of people.  God has given you a wonderful love for all things living:  people, plants, animals... all of His creation.  You give hugs and kisses, even to the not-so-kissable things!  Kindness just pours out of your heart.  I definitely believe these are the first glimpses of the gift of hospitality that God has given to you.  People instantly feel warm and welcomed in your little presence.

You have a love for singing and your collection of songs is growing.  Your favorites this week are the Butterfly Song, the B-I-B-L-E, and the ABC song.  Unlike your Mommy and Daddy, we think you might have a great singing voice as you grow older.  I'm praying that you will seek to use it to sing beautiful songs for Jesus and to encourage others.  And like your sister, you love to dance.  The two of you put on shows for me all the time, and you love to put on a pretty dress or ballet outfit before you begin.  This is just one of the signs of the very feminine spirit you have.

Even your little gait is carefree and graceful, more than athletic.  You are surprising us, though, with the way you've started enjoying being active more this year.  When you decided you were ready,  you showed what a great bike rider you are.  You jumped in the pool without holding our hands by the end of summer, and you climb right alongside Ethan these days.  This has been a good lesson for me to always be looking for ways you're growing and changing and not just define you by your past likes and dislikes.

I love you, McKinley.  You're a little girl so full of compassion, increasing courage, and a sense for adventure.  You teach me how to be more people-oriented and care less about my to-do list.  I'll try to keep teaching you how to eventually get that list done, and we might just end up being well-rounded together!  I look forward to seeing how God continues to show me more of who He's created you to be, so that I can help build that firm foundation under your feet for the awesome steps ahead.  Love, Mommy