Dear Bela

Bela,

The day we found out you were coming we were shocked and surprised. We weren't planning on you, but you came anyway and our lives have never been the same. You are one of the kindest, most compassionate 6 year old girls I have ever known. You are delicate and strong. Gentle but determined. You are stubborn and outspoken. You make friends wherever you go. You are reading more every day, you are endlessly creative and inquisitive. You want so badly to grow up and yet seem so saddened at times at saying goodbye to the toddler girl in you. We love you more than life itself, Bela.

You have been our partner in all sorts of journeys. You have traveled to the Oregon Coast, the Florida beaches, the Pyrenees, New York City, the campground, the playground, the lake, the dunes. You are daring and adventurous and love a good challenge.

We, too, mourn your passing toddler years, but look with excitement at all the changes you're going through. You are our first born, and we will love you profoundly forever and ever.

waiting, ready to BURST

01/16/2005

Summer 2005

Summer 2005

Autumn 2005 - Black River Falls

Winter 2005 (Almost 1) Sanibel Florida

2 Years Old

1 1/2 yrs old. Oregon Coast

Almost 3 years old - Oregon Coast

Almost 3 - Lincoln City, OR

Farmer's Market - 3 yrs old

Wandawega - 3 years old

Ravinia - Kids Circus 3 years old

Spring 2009

Wandawega - 4 years old

Barcelona, Spain. 4 years old

Catalonian Pyrenees, 2009

Summer 2009

Spring 2010 - Smoky Mountains

Spring 2010 - Smoky Mountain National Park

Summer 2010 - 5 years old