Dear Hannah,

Hannah,



For some reason this year your birthday has been a lot different than in years past. This year you are old enough to understand that you are a whole year older. You knew to ask when your birthday was, and how many days you had left. You knew what activities you would have on your birthday and were aware that you could ask family for something specific as a birthday present. This year your birthday was no longer about me pushing birthday festivities upon you, (blow out the candles, tell Nanny 'thank you'...) this year you had it covered.



I don't know what to think of the young lady you are turning into. I can't believe how fast you have grown, changed, and learned about life. I constantly remind myself that you are just four, not six like sometimes you seem. Then there are the days that I look into your beautiful eyes and see that you are still my baby girl, because no matter how old you get you will always be just that.



This year has been an adventure, much like years past. We were fortunate enough to head down to Disneyland last May for your fist trip to the Magic Kingdom! I know you LOVED every second of it, and wish we could have planned another trip this year. You had so much fun you fell asleep standing up at the end of the night! In the summer we spent a few weeks on the road traveling to Lake Tahoe and Boise. You loved our trip and did a fantastic job in the car, thanks to Popi's DVD player. Also last summer you started dance classes and swimming lessons. You have continued dancing and expanded your repotoire to tap, which you seem to really enjoy! The fall brought the start of preschool 2 days per week and Awanas, and no suprise, you are doing a fantastic job!



This year has also been an amazing year as far a personal growth. You and Claire have developed a sisterly bond that I hope will just grow stronger. You are always looking out for her, and it truly melts my heart to see you develop as friends. You grew out of your "terrible two" stage and have learned how to cope with certain situations by talking it out, something I am so proud you have learned. While you have remained on the cautious side in general, I have noticed that you are more willing to join in with new situations and play with different friends than you have in the past and I hope you continue as you start new and exciting activities in years to come.



I know you are on the verge of reading, and I plan to work with you in the coming months. You have mastered recognizing your letters and have worked hard on learning to write them as well as learning what sounds the letters make and determining what words start with which letter sounds. You are learning simple addition and are grasping the concept of subtraction. While I don't know if I am cut out to be a teacher, I know you will make an incredible student. I almost wish you could be in Kindergarten this coming fall, but I will gladly keep you at home another year with me :)



One thing I have to mention too is your incredible memory. We have continued teaching you different landmarks, but have also started teaching you the names of the US Presidents (currently you know 1-10!). I am so excited to see the new and incredible things you will learn this year. Your hunger to learn is just incredible!



My dear Hannah, thank you for the many blessings you have brought to us. Thank you for being (mostly) agreeable and always sweet. Though there have been some trying times for us as a family this year, you are a constant light. You might be too young to understand some things, but I know you are not too young to understand the love we share as a family. I know we have grown closer as a family this year, and I am so thankful for that and for you.



I love you.



Mommy