Katelyn!!

Probably the most exciting day in the life of a young teenager is the day they turn 13. March 15 was that happy day for Katelyn. Of course we remembered her birthday but my head just hasn't been in the blogging mode since the first of year, so alas, no "happy birthday blog" was written for her.  So very sorry about that, sweet girl. So here and now I want to share some things about this lovely 13-year old granddaughter!!!

I had the honor of being present when she was born!!! What a thrill to welcome this precious grandchild into our family! So thanks go to Jeff and Caroline for that privilege!

This vivacious young woman is now a seventh grade student at Oaks Middle School. She joins her dad who teaches at the Oaks High School and older sisters who are also students there, as well as her mom who works part-time on campus. It was great fun to join her there on Grandparents' Day last November. In addition to her academic classes she also is in dance, which is a great fit for her. She has taken gymnastics classes for several years so being on the middle school dance team is a good fit for her.

In February, Katelyn and her mom joined other students and staff members on a short-term mission trip to Guatemala. This was to follow-up on work done by a team that went there last year. Their work included building a playground and table and chairs at a hospital. They also did the very practical work of cleaning patient rooms and bathrooms there. They spent time at an orphanage, where in addition to playing with the children, which they really enjoyed, they painted a mural and made a garden. With a little sight-seeing, it was a very busy week of service and an awesome cultural experience.

This little gal is quite a cook and baker! My earliest memory of her cooking is when she must have been 6-7 years old. She had pushed a chair to the stovetop so she could stand on it to stir a pot! It scare "the wits" out of me. I was so afraid she'd get burned. I should have known better. She was perfectly in control and hasn't stopped (without the chair, of coure!). On a recent visit there we had "Kate's pasta" for dinner one night, a tasty dish of penne pasta with Italian sausage-spicy, of course, and yummy sauce. She makes a delicious turtle pie, also!  YUMMO!!

And yes, you can wear a sleeveless top while hanging Christmas lights - in California!! :)

Katelyn, you are well-loved!!!  It will be exciting to watch you grow into a Godly woman.

Love you, Sweetie!!!