Happy Birthday Erin

Today is my granddaughter's 12th birthday. Where have the years gone???

When did she go from this---to this?

I love her for finding who she is and sticking to it. She hates to dress up, would rather be in shorts or jeans. (I'm with ya there Erin). But when she does dress up she is a beauty. Of course I think she is a beauty in shorts or jeans too! She loves sports. (Got that from her dad and her grandma.) She loves animals. (Something else she got from her grandma I think.) She is smart, funny, loving, giving, helpful, creative, fun to be with and fun to go shopping with, has a temper at times, gives her brother fits, (what sister doesn't), loves spending time with her family, likes to go camping, loves the beach, loves Sanibel (how could she not?), loves her cousins, and is simply amazing. At one time she said to me, "I'm your only granddaughter and look what you got?" Well, Erin, I love what I got and wouldn't ask for anyone else in the world to be my granddaughter. You are the best there is!

Over the years there have been many, many pictures take of her--obviously. Here are a few of my favorites.

I loved this hat-and her in it.She loves her daddy!

And her momAnd don't let her fool you--she may say she and her brother don't get along but I remember what they were like when they were little!

She loves being able to share holidays with relatives. Here she is helping Uncle Michael light the Hanukkah candles.

I'm sure she will want to kill me for posting this picture. This was taken of her through a fisheye lens at her Aunt Karen and Uncle Michael's wedding.Like I said, she loves sports.As I mentioned, she loves spending time with her cousins.

And so, Erin, happy 12th. I can't tell you how much I love you and how proud I am of you. Keep being who you are and what you are. You are the best!!