Rylee turns NINE!

Happy Birthday to my sweet Rylee Lynn! Nine whole years of loving you and what a blessing you have been. You came into this world smiling and still to this day live up to your nickname - Smiley Rylee! You are a dream of a daughter and I am so thankful you made me a Mommy.

What a year it has been! You rocked third grade during a pandemic learning to adjust to a new norm which included online learning, having to switch teachers mid year, wearing masks daily, social distancing, tutoring, and your very first STAAR tests. Most definitely the craziest year ever but you never complained, but instead embraced the changes with a smile on your face along with a great attitude. To say that I am proud of you would be a huge understatement. You did it and on to fourth grade you go!

This summer you went to your first ever sleep away camp with your cousins for five whole nights and you absolutely loved it! I missed you like crazy but it helped you become more independent, you made new friends, and most importantly you learned more about Jesus. You are continuing your weekly riding lessons and have improved so much. After lots of practice you decided to switch from Western to English riding and have done so well. You even competed in your first English competition taking home three ribbons! We are so proud of you and I love that you have found such a special hobby that you enjoy so much.

Simply put, to know you is to love you. You have a heart of gold, the sweetest spirit, a passion for animals, you are the best big sister, and you bring an endless amount of joy to everyone around you. Your kindness and innocence is unmatched and your laughter is so contagious that it can brighten anyone’s day. I hope you always remember how special you are and that we love you more than all the horses in the world!

Spent her special day doing all her favorite things - started with birthday donuts, gifts, and a visit from the Elf on the Shelf. Then we loaded up and took a trip to the zoo because all she wanted was to spend the day with animals :) Afterwards, we went to lunch then went swimming with her cousins. Ended the day with one of her favorite meals at home (hotdogs, salad, noodles, and beans) and of course chocolate chip birthday cake! It was a great day. Can't believe Rylee is in her very last year of single digits.

Fun day at the zoo!

Lunch with Uncle Westin

Pool time with this big NINE year old

New birthday swing :)

    Birthday Party at the movie theater watching Spirit Untamed with all her friends :)