K-K-K-Kate, Beautiful Kate...Happy Birthday!

Today is my "baby" granddaughter's 5th birthday. Kate is the last-born grandchild and will always be our "baby." Kate is the most loving little girl. She loves to give kisses and hugs, loves to sit on my lap and be loved on in return, and loves to have her back tickled! One of her joys is to hear a goodnight story that I sometimes tell her about her mother when she was a little girl.

This summer when we were at Surfside Beach with the whole family, Kate learned to swim. At first, she was fearful of my "letting go" but then as she realized that I would always be there to get her, she became braver and braver. Kate finally got to the point that she could swim the length of the little pool at our rental house. Before week's end, Kate was doing really well with her swimming.

Not long ago I was on the phone with Kristy when she noticed that someone had drawn with magic marker on the dining room and hallway walls. Kate readily admitted that it was her and that she just "wanted to make it look prettier." How can you scold too badly someone who just wants to make things prettier?

Kate is my very very favorite 5 year old. I love you Kate and hope you have a great birthday. I wish I could be in Belo Horizonte, Brazil to celebrate with you. Save me a piece of cake, ok. Happy birthday, Kate! I love you MORE MOST!