Dear Sweet Alyssa,

Eleven?!?! {11}
Really?


 How is it even possible? Gone are the birthday requests for Barbies and My Little Ponies, the toys are being replaced by Taylor Swift CDs, clothes and perfect accessories. When did you get so grown up?



 




















You are a sweet and generous girl. Especially with your sisters I never have to ask you to share. You always buy them special surprises at the church's MPact Mall and even share your reward treats with them. You are also very careful, kind and motherly with them. They couldn't ask for a better big sister. You have a near constant shadow, they love you so much!



I'm always so proud of how hard you work.
 




















At church, you do something I could never do ~ sing in front of people! I'm not sure where in your gene pool you are pulling this from, but you have never seemed hesitant to get up and speak or sing in front of a crowd. More importantly you are learning to share your faith using the gifts that God has given you. If you can do that at this young age, I can't wait to see how He continues to use you for His glory as you grow up.


 At school, 5th grade has been the first year that has really offered a lot of challenging assignments and projects. You always do your best and are learning so much as you have become increasingly busy with other commitments that demand a lot of your time.


Speaking of school, look where you got to go today for a field trip:
 The Survive Alive House. It's an awesome community resource that teaches kids how to escape home fires. But, for a child who dislikes fire the way you do, it didn't seem like the most appealing place to visit, especially not on your birthday. {Happy Birthday, go ahead, get in this house that we will pretend to set ablaze and let's see how fast you can get out!} You did just fine :-) I'm so proud of your good behavior. Not only at the field trip, just in general. Spending time with your class {who are mostly really nice kids} made me count my blessings that you are my child.


 You have come so far in a short amount of time at gymnastics, and I couldn't be more proud of how hard you have worked to get there!


 
Happy Birthday, Sweet Princess Ka'iulani. Thank you for being the Best 1st Little Daughter, Big Sister and Sweetheart we could ever dream up. We Love You So Much!!