Aubrey is SEVEN!

A look back......Aubrey from 6 to 7......

What we want to remember about Aubrey at SEVEN:

• She is starting to seem so grown up!!  From her obsession with the boy band One Direction, to reading books on the Kindle, and just her physical appearance.....still tall and LEAN, but just starting to get the "bigger kid" look.  Hanging around/wanting to be just like her older cousins; Catlin, Callie, and Colbie, has really brought out the almost preteen interests and attitude.  Heaven help us!!
• She is still pretty obedient.  Although she can throw a decent fit, for the most part she just follows the rules and does what she's asked.  (And is always making sure others are following the rules!)  
• She is very shy in front of a group!  Her teacher shared that she's gotten better as the school year has gone on, but still gets just shaky and can hardly talk when she's called up to the front of the room.  She was sick for a week about having to play a melody by herself in music class.  When the time came, she did fine, but the anticipation was rough.
• Although she won't admit that she likes to play with dolls, Barbie's or anything "babyish," she can still get quite involved in her imaginary games.  She has Charlotte as a good excuse to play with babies, play food, dolls, and still a favorite, the "family game."  Most recently, she is the mom Harley, Carson is either the brother or dad Brian, and Charlotte is always the baby/toddler, lately Susie, but also could be various other names.
• She loves school!  She has done so well in first grade.  Her growth in reading has been outstanding.  She is reading about 120 words in a minute!  She also loves math and has done really well.  She says her favorite subject is art.  I also love to hear about all the games she and her friends play at recess.  Although she always comes home happy and saying she had a great day, she does still LOVE her weekends!
• This girl loves to TALK!  Oh my goodness.  I try to pay attention to her whole story (usually about some random weird thing), but honestly, sometimes it's just too much.  I know for a fact she says 3 to 4 times as many words per day as her brother and father combined! :)  
• She is the organizing queen!  I don't know where she could have gotten that, but it really is quite nice and helpful.
• Being shy most of her life has made her very observant of others and what's going on around her.  She's always been a watcher.  She is very in tune with what others are feeling and what they need.  She almost always tries to make things better for everyone around her, even if it means she suffers or gets less.  This is a trait I love about her, but one that also worries me.
• She is truly the best sister.  Because she was our first child, I just always assumed that all kids were like her to their siblings.  Even though Carson can be very sweet with Charlotte, it's nothing like how Aubrey has always treated him and Charlotte.  Such a fun and caring big sister!!

We love you Aubrey and are so proud of you!  Happy 7th birthday Monkey!