One more year 'till she can go to the dance

Hallie. What can I say about her? She was the first to come to our family I'm sure that in the pre-existence she told all her siblings, in no uncertain terms, that she would be the first to go! She probably used reverse-psychology on them: "You know our parents won't know what they are doing at first. You don't want to be the one to teach them. I'll break 'em in for every one's benefit. Aren't I going to be a great big sister?"

It took a little bit of Earth Time for her to get here, though. She probably wanted to teach us our first lesson:
"God loves you, but you have to be patient."

Once she got here she taught us our second lesson:
"It's possible to love someone other than your spouse more than yourself. As much as the Saviour loves you."

Our third lesson came easily:

"Children are nearer to Angels than anyone else."

Our fourth lesson was "patience" again. I guess we didn't learn it well enough the first time.

The fifth lesson we've learned from Hallie is:

"Lighten up. Enjoy life. And laugh, for Pete's sake."

We have so many more lessons to learn. I pray that Hallie will be patient with us. And continue to be willing to keep teaching us life's lessons. Just be gentle, please!

Hallie has joined a new rank of soldiers.

Teenagers.

Need I say more?

When did she grow to be so lovely?

How did she grow to be so tall?

Sunrise, Sunset....Sunrise, Sunset.

I digress.

I was a teenager when I met and married my sweetheart.

Heaven help us.

Especially for the next few years.

Happy Birthday, Hallie. We love you.