One whole decade ago

this little princess became my sister. All the spunk, wit, and energy our family needed came bundled up
in one little package, complete with dimpled cheeks and the curliest hair anyone in our
entire family had ever seen.

 Sarah Bear. I still remember the night you were born. Getting dragged out of bed in the middle of the night so that we could get Mom to the hospital {no hard feelings; I realize you probably didn't have a say in your time of arrival}. Getting pulled over for speeding on the way and watching Dad leap out of the car, shout to the cop that Mom was in labor, then bolt back to the car and leave him in the dust {I think you just might have heard that sassy little interchange... That would explain a lot [: }. Sleeping over at Gramma & Grandpa's that night with Merr & Lydia, unable to keep in our ecstatic giggles as we thought about a brand new baby sister that we would be able to see and hold the very next morning. Hearing what your name would be. Sarah Elizabeth.

    You are the energizer bunny of this family. You aren't afraid of what anyone thinks. In fact sometimes I wonder if you just aren't afraid of anything {except bugs!}. Even at an early age you showed a natural gutsy "stage presence" & I guess we can safely say you never once had a problem being in the spotlight.

We became especially close, you being the youngest, and I being the oldest. I felt this naturally fierce & protective kind of love for you {and still do!} and wanted to make sure you knew you had someone looking out for you. We became bestest buddies. I remember when you used to beg me to piggy-back you everywhere, all day. It was your preferred mode of transportation.

From the very start, I was so amazed by how bright you were, how quickly you picked up on things. You said and did things that kids twice your age would never even think of trying. You put us older kids to shame with your plucky readiness to try something new & your never-ending enthusiasm for anything fun. And now that I'm old and boring, you continue to show me how important it is to stay young - to get excited about the little things and find the fun in everything. You have taught me so much.

And now you are ten years old. I really cannot believe that.

Most stylish 10 year old this side of the mountains, wouldn't you agree? We Krops
know how to do birthday presents.

So, littlest sis, happy birthday, and thank you for bringing sunshine to our family and my own life every day with your dances, handstands, giggles, songs, silly faces, and inspiring persistence to be the happiest, best freckle face you can be. You have so much potential and so much to give. I wanna be like you when I grow up. I LOVE YOU.