Keeping it real...

You are snuggled up beside me watching Charlie and the Chocolate Factory right now and I'm so grateful for your sweet little toes curled up on my lap and the way you wiggle and move around every two seconds. Your warmth next to me and the million cute questions you keep asking me about the movie make me so happy.  I love you so much today and every day, but every day is not like today. Today I got hugs and kisses and extra snuggles as you are a bit nervous about going back to school tomorrow. Yesterday I got attitude and a tongue stuck out at me when I asked you to get dressed. Today I get to watch a movie with you. Yesterday I had to beg you to get ready to go have some fun at the zoo. You, my love, are a stubborn child. You know what you want and you aren't afraid to let anyone know it.  While we butt heads and my temper gets the best of me some days, I'm not writing this to complain. I'm writing this to let you know that no matter what happens in the heat of the moment, I love you and am proud of you. Yes, it makes it difficult when we go through five pairs of socks and shoes in the morning before settling on the ones that "don't hurt" (they all fit by the way). Yes, I sometimes yell when I shouldn't. Yes, you get your bottom spanked when you talk back or sometimes try to kick or hit. BUT in the end, you are just standing up for what is right for you. It is my prayer every day that Daddy and I can help to shape these stubborn tendencies so that you aren't spoiled or rude and that you learn to "go with the flow" while still standing up for what is right for you and important to you. We can't wait to see the wonderful, stubborn lady you will become and we are happy to do the hard part of parenting now so we can be your friend later!

We had more great moments than cranky ones this summer and I loved spending my time off with you!  Here are some more pics to help us remember the rest of the summer of 2016: