As I look back at her last year, it could seem like not that much has changed for Kylee. When I look at her, I do notice a few small changes- I see her legs getting longer and longer, I see her hair having blonde streaks in it for the first time ever; no doubt a result of all our time spent in the sun this summer. She's a summertime girl, my Kylee. She loves being outdoors- at the pool, playing sports with friends, going to Adventureland, fishing with Kent- she just loves all of it.
Emotionally though, I've seen a lot of changes for Kylee over the last year. She had a tough time with a friend during the school year last year and learned how to put a smile on her face even though her heart was breaking on the inside. Around the 'hood there's been a little drama but Kylee has navigated the tricky waters of adolescent girl friendships with more grace than anyone twice her age could manage. She's convicted to do the right thing, always. And it hurts her when others don't do the same. I'm proud of her for maintaining a wide circle of friends and doubly proud of her for letting go of those that don't make her feel happy, no matter how much she wanted to hold on.
Kylee is joy. She just shines a light wherever she goes. She is our one who laughs hardest at Dad jokes, which makes Kent so very happy. Kylee is intuitive. The other day she told me, "I bet you were really proud of your dad when you were growing up. He's just so smart and strong and he's won so many awards in his life for so many things. He's just the best. I bet you felt really happy and special that he was yours." Kylee seems to have a gift for knowing the right thing to say at the right time.
A middle sister between two brothers, Kylee has to give in more often than she's like, but she's never afraid to stand her ground and can most definitely hold her own with them.
Kylee is excited for another season of cross country ahead and is signed up to play on a volleyball team for the first time. She is always willing to try something new whether it's a new food or a new sport- she'll definitely give it a shot. She pushed herself to learn how to water ski this summer and it was harder than she wanted it to be. Anyone who has spent anytime skiing knows it's almost unheard of to get up and stay up your first time, but I know that's what Kylee had in her head. She hoped so badly to pop right out of the water on the first try and when it didn't, she got discouraged but I wouldn't let her give up. She got up on the third try and by the fourth and fifth times, well- just see the photo below. She is definitely a confident skier now!
Currently, Kylee's favorite thing is her new room. She has just been so, so appreciative. Even though I know she got tired of being displaced and living in the basement for a month after the lightning strike and having all her stuff in storage until her room got fixed, she truly never complained.
We love you so much, Kylee Kay! I can't wait to spend the day celebrating you!
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