Our Maddi Moo

  I realized I didn't write much about Maddi on her birthday post so decided to dedicate another one to her.  Plus, I don't know how much longer I can use her nickname in the title.  She's probably outgrowing it.  Where to even start with this girl...we certainly love her very much and got very lucky with this one!

A few things that stand out to me about Maddi are:

1. Her testimony.  She loves the gospel.  She loves her Savior and learning about Him.  She recognizes the Spirit in her life, and tries so hard to do what is right.  She is a huge part of the reason that we do things like family prayer and scripture study.
2. Her laugh.  You just can't help but smile, and even laugh, when this girl gets going.
3. Her love for her sisters.  She finds so much joy in watching her sisters grow and learn.  It is so sweet to watch.  It takes a lot of taunting from Brynnley for Maddi to get angry as well.  She always prays for them.
4. Her love of art.  This girl certainly got the artistic gene from Ryan.  She loves to draw, color, paint, whatever.  And, as a biased mom, I think she's pretty darn good.  I'm hoping to get her into a summer art class this year.  
5. Her love of books.  She loves to read!  And, I love buying books for her!  Its so fun to watch her enjoy books I enjoyed as a young girl as well as enjoying new ones together.

In general, I can always count on Maddi.  She is a very responsible little girl.  She does well in school and is a hard worker.  She is my little helper.  I really do rely on her help throughout the day, and have to remind myself at times that she is just a kid and needs time to be just that.  She has really come to love ballet and will be starting her 5th year of dance in the fall.  :)  As she's getting closer to leaving the little girl stage I can't help but feel proud of who she has become.  I guess we have done something right as her parents, although, we truly think we just got lucky with this girl.  We don't take much credit.  I get nervous thinking about what is to come, and know that it will all be here before we know it.  Time goes by so fast.  But, with her big (currently toothless) smiles along the way, I think we'll manage.  :)