Kelly turned 8!

This is horribly late, but I have so many excuses that I am not going to feel bad about it right now.  Kelly FINALLY turned 8!  It's not me that's thinking "finally" of course... it's her.  But it was very much longed for!  Turning 8 is always very exciting!!  Kelly is an amazing little girl.  I've been so impressed with her this past year.  She's improved in so many areas, and really just blown me away.  At home, she's magnified her calling as the protecter of her family, the temple, and the scriptures.  She's always reminding us to read scriptures, and say prayers.  She still takes care of everyone when they're sick, or hurt.  She's really just been a big help to everyone.  It's nice to have her around.  At school, she excelled in reading, won the MOST ACCOMPLISHED READER award, entitling her to $50 worth of books at the district offices.  She got a few blue slips this year for helping, being reliable, and one for helping a friend who nearly had her finger chopped off by a chair.  She is so tough.  She made SO many friends this year.  She has a different friend over everyday it seems like.  She's learned so much and had so much fun as well.  Kelly can be a little bit of a goof ball.  She seems to know just how to cheer everyone up.  She's a lot of fun for her baby sister Erika.  She loves Erika and Erika has really opened up to her.  I think Erika feels safest with Kelly, besides Nate and I.  Kelly is very gentle, and seems to have a very relaxing demeanor.  I love that Kelly can take over and help with Erika sometimes.  It's very convenient.  Kelly loves church, she loves the Gospel.  Her primary teacher has told me several times that Kelly knows all the answers.  I wish I could take credit for that, but I think she is just a good listener and makes those things important.  We all love Kelly so much.  She's a huge asset to our family.  I can't believe she's 8!  It really makes me crazy to think about how fast she's growing!  Getting bigger too!  I think she finally grew out of her size 5 clothes this year!  Just a few more inches and she'll be taller than  her little brother Brad..... yeah right!  I think those days are over :)  We love you, Kelly Belly!!!  Hope you had a wonderful Birthday!

Kelly through the years:

 Baby Kelly.  She was THE cutest baby!!  And so chubby for how small and light she was.  And SUCH a good sleeper!!  The list goes on :)

 Kelly's first birthday.  She didn't love the mess, but she seemed to like the frosting on the cake.

 Second birthday.... love the cast.  The dumb thing was so loose she could take it off herself and did MANY MANY times, before we finally just gave up on it....

 Third birthday.  Just our cute little family at Chuck E. Cheese's.  She was so happy that day!!  Love it.

 Fourth Birthday, her Kitty Party.... she still loves to do her hair like that.... so cute.

 Fifth birthday.  I love her cute smile!

 Sixth birthday at Rocket Park.  She just wanted to go there so that she could show off her monkey bar skills ;).  Love the tongue!

 Seventh birthday.... the "Music Cake".... she's so creative!

and this year's EIGTH BIRTHDAY!!!!  Can't believe it's come and gone!