Happy Birthday, Kylee!

 Kylee turns 16 today!

In some ways it's hard to believe she's 16 already but in many ways, it's not. She's incredibly responsible, a great driver, thoughtful, caring, and the phrase "old soul" often gets used in reference to Kylee.  She's so emotionally mature that I can see why people say that about her all the time.  

Her faith is very important to her and she is involved in youth group and is really enjoying leading a VBS group this week. She tries hard to always do the right thing and it bothers her when other people don't. An acquaintance of her was having a hard time with friends and even though she and Kylee aren't really close at all, Kylee reached out and invited her to lunch.  She's just good like that. 

She's a great sister- offering advice to Kael if he asks (and sometimes even if he doesn't like about fashion choices) and she's great at "big brother-ing" Kase and all his friends.  

A friend of mine had her son at swim lessons where Kylee was teaching a couple weeks ago and messaged me saying, "Kylee is just so good! She's amazing with kids!" 

The thing about being so good at so many things is that Kylee holds herself to such a high standard and she can be hard on herself.  I am always proud of her when she's being an awesome human and winning races and making the top teams but I am most proud of her for overcoming some tough times throughout this last year.  The pressure of running Varsity cross country while also juggling volleyball and dealing with knee pain was just a lot to handle this year and Kylee worked through it and it's been such a joy to watch her confidently make big decisions (like choosing to be done with volleyball) that she knows will be best for her in the long run. 

This year she will go to a new school which she is really looking forward to.  She isn't so excited about the school part but I think she's excited to be a part of the actual high school and get to go to dances and high school events. I can't wait to see what the next few years hold for her.

She has a large circle of friends from all different areas of her life.  She made some great connections at Rocky this summer. She and Garrett have been together well over a year and a half now and he treats her well and makes her happy so that makes me happy. 

She continues to not be interested in drama whatsoever. Dramatic friends who are not trustworthy friends make a quick exit from her life. This will serve her so well now and in the future.

She held her first job this summer and was an incredible employee.  She picked up extra shifts when asked, was always on time and was proud to earn a paycheck. 

Kylee is one of the good ones.  Teenage girls can get a bad rap I think, but Kylee is just a gem.  I am thankful we have navigated these teen years well and that she and I are still as close as we have always been.  I'm so lucky to have such an amazing daughter! We love you, Kylee and can't wait to spend the day celebrating you!