the past 13 years.....

 Sweet Ellie was born 13 years ago, December 11..... 

sadly before digital cameras :) most of her very early years, I don't have on the computer. 

The ones posted below, before 2003, I have thanks to my brother who had a digital camera. 

(and who took most of those pics)

I've started the trend with the younger four, of walking down memory lane, 

and Ellie has been waiting and waiting for her walk. 

I have such mixed emotions looking at old pictures!

(and I also have a VERY hard time choosing which ones to share:)

The kids change so quickly from year to year, that it takes my breath away. 

I can't believe how different they all look, even from last Christmas' pictures. 

O, how I want to cherish each moment that God gives me with my beautiful ones. 

So here you go Ellie..... glimpses of your childhood

(and a much younger-looking mama and daddy :)

 :: 1999 ~ the early years.... a family of 3 ::

:: 2000 ~ baby brother on his way! ::

:: 2001~ posing w/ Mama and Nannie ::

:: 2003 ~ egg hunting with her best buddy Drew ::

:: 2005 ~ photo taken by our neighbor ::

 :: 2nd grade butterfly project ::

:: 2006 ~ 8 year old party at the ice skating rink ::

 :: 2007 ~ baby sisters, braces, and American girl dolls ::

 :: 2008 ~ thinker of the year award! ::

:: 2009 ~ one of my favorite Christmas photos, taken in GA ::

:: with cousin Chase, right before moving to WA ::

:: 2010 ~ 12th birthday in WA ::

:: 2011 ::
How we have loved watching you grow these past 13 years!
Ellie, you are a beautiful, young woman and we are so excited to see
what the Lord has in store for you!